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TH £ 



PIOUS GUIDE 



TO 



PEAYEE AND DEVOTION! 



CONTAINING 



VARIOUS PRACTICES OF PIETY, 



.LCULATED TO ANSWER THE DEMANDS OF THE D 
VOUT MEMBERS OF THE 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 



Let my prayer be direct*^ as incense in tliy sight"— Psax^ cxl. v. 



B A L T I M O ft Z : 

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THE manner of lay persons 1 baptizing an infant, in case 
of danger of death. 

TAKE common water, pour it on the head or face of 
the child ; and, while you are pouring it, say the follow- 
ing words : 

" I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." 

ivote. Any person, whether man, wowan, or chila\ 
may baptize an infant, in case of danger of death. 




THE 

ROMAN CALENDAR. 



3 



The Calendar is a Table containing the Feasts which 
are kept during the year. They are of two sorts : some 
are affixed to certain days, and are called immoveable ; 
others have no fixed days, and are called moveable. 

Most of the moveable f easts depend upon the feast of 
Easter, which is regulated by the full moon of the ver- 
nal equinox. A compendious table of these feasts is here 
affixed. The first Council of Nice, held in the year 325, 
decreed that the feast of Easter should be celebrated on 
the Sunday following the full moon, which falls either 
on the 21st of March, (which was looked upon, at that 
time, as the day of the equinox,) or on the days follow- 
ing, till the 18th of April. Hence, if the full moon fall 
on the 21st of March, and this be a Saturday, the next 
- day will be Easter Sunday. But if it fall on the 20th, 
/ this moon will not be considered the paschal moon : the 
next full moon only, which will be on the 18th of April, 
can be reckoned such. Should this ISth of April be a 
Sunday, Easter would be the Sunday following, or the 
25th of April. Easter, then, can be no later than the 
25th of April, nor earlier than the 22d of March. 

The Dominical letters are used to indicate the Sun- 
days throughout the year. They are seven in number, 
corresponding to the seven days of the week, and are 
changed annually. In leap year, two are set dow r n : the 
first indicates the Sundays till the 25th ©f February — 
the other during the remaining part of the year. 

The Golden number is contained ia a cycle of 19* 
years. In this cycle the new-moons return, in a regu- 
lar succession, to the same days in which they w T ere in 
the preceding cycle. Hence the different numbers of 
the Epact, which is used to designate the new-moon- 
and to determine the feast of Easter, always correspond 
with the same golden numbers in every cycle. 



4 TABLE OF MOVEABLE FEASTS. 



Anne 
Dom. 


) D. L. 


G. N 


Epact 


Septuagesima 


Ash Wed. 


1842 


b. 


19 


18 


Jan. 


23 


Feb. 9 


1843 


A. 


1 


0 


Feb. 


12 


March 1 


1844 


g. f. 

e. 


2 


11 


Feb. 


4 


Feb. 21 


1845 


3 


22 


Jan. 


19 


Feb. 5 


1846 


d. 


4 


3 


Feb. 


8 


Feb. 25 


1847 


c. 


5 


14 


Jan. 


31 


Feb. 17 


1848 


b. A. 


6 


25 


Feb. 


20 


March 8 


1849 


2". 


7 


6 


Feb. 


4 


Feb. 21 ! 


1850 


I 


8 


17 


Jan. 


27 


Feb. 13 i 


1851 


e. 


9 


28 


Feb. 


16 


March 5 


1852 


d. c. 


10 


9 


Feb. 


8 


Feb. 25 


1853 


b. 


11 


20 


Jan. 


23 


Feb. 9 


1854 


A. 


12 


1 


Feb. 


12 


March 1 


1855 


2". 


13 


12 


Feb. 


4 


Feb. 21 


1S56 


L. 


14 


23 


Jan. 


20 


Feb. 6 


1857 


d. 


15 


4 


Feb. 


8 


Feb. 25 


185S 


c. 


16 


15 


Jan. 


31 


Feb. 17 


1859 


b. 


17 


26 


Feb. 


20 


March 9 


1860 


A. 2\ 


18 


7 


Feb. 


5 


Feb. 22 


1861 


f. ° 


19 


18 


Jan. 


27 


Feb. 13 


1862 


e. 


1 


0 


Feb. 


16 


March 5 


1863 


d. 


2 


11 


Feb. 


1 


Feb. 18 


1864 


c. b. 


3 


22 


Jan. 


24 


Feb. 10 


1865 


A. 


4 


3 


Feb. 


12 


March 1 


1866 


2. 


5 


14 


Jan. 


28 


Feb. 14 


1867 


1 


6 


25 


Feb. 


17 


March 6 


1868 


e. d. 


7 


6 


Feb. 


9 


Feb. 26 


1869 


c. 


8 


17 


Jan. 


24 


Feb. 10 


1870 


b. 


9 


28 


Feb. 


13 


March 2 


1871 


A. 


10 


9 


r eb. 


5 


Feb. 22 


1872 


a*, f. 

5* 


11 


20 


Jan. 


28 


Feb. 14 


1873 


e. 


12 


1 


Feb. 


9 


Feb. 26 


1874 


d. 


13 


12 


Feb. 


1 


Feb. 18 


1875 


c. 


14 


23 


Jan. 


24 


Feb. 10 


1876 


b. A. 


15 


4 


Feb. 


13 


March 1 


1877 


i 


16 


15 


Jan. 


28 


Feb. 14 


1878 




17 


26 


Feb. 


17 1 


March 6 



Rule for finding the First Sunday of Advent. It is that 
Sunday before, or after, which is next to the 30th of No 
vernber. Whit Sunday being known, and the first Sunday 



TABLE OF M0 7EABLE FEASTS. 5 



Easter. Ascension 



March 27 
April 16 
April 7 
March 23 
April 12 
April 4 
April 23 
April 8 
March 31 
April 20 
April 11 
March 27 
April 16 
April 8 
March 23 
April 12 
April 4 
April 24 
April 8 
March 31 
April 20 
April 5 
March 27 
April 16 
April 1 
April 21 
April 12 
March 28 
April 17 
April 9 
March 31 
April 13 
April 5 
March 28 
April 16 
April 1 
April 21 



May 5 
May 25 
May 16 
May 1 
May 21 
May 13 
June 1 
May 17 
May 9 
May 29 
May 20 
May. 5 
May -25 
May 17 
May 1 
May 21 
May 13 
June 2 
May 17 
May 9 
May 29 
May 14 
May 5 
May 25 
May 10 
May 30 
May 21 
May 6 
May 26 
May 18 
May 9 
May 22 
May 14 
May 6 
May 25 
May 10 
May 30 



Whit- Sunday. 


Corpus 
Christi. 


May 15 


May 


26 


Jane 4 


J une 




May 26 






May 11 


May 


22 


May 31 


J une 


11 


May 23 




3 


June 11 


June 


22 


May 27 


June 


7 


May 19 


May 


30 


T O 

June 8 


J une 


la 


May 30 




10 


May 15 


Mav 


26 


June 4 


June 


1 fC 
J o 


May 27 




7 


May 11 


May 


22 


May 31 


June 


ii 


May 23 


June 


3 


June 12 


J une 


— O 


May 27 


J une 


7 
4 


May 19 




30 


June 8 


J une 


la 


May 24 




4 


May 15 


May 


26 


June 4 


J une 


10 


May 20 


May 


31 


June 9 


June 


20 


May 31 
May 16 


J une 


i i 


Mav 

may 


27 


June 5 


June 


16 


May 28 


June 


8 


May 19 


May 


30 


J line 1 


June 


12 


May 24 


June 


4 


May 16 


May 


27 


June 4 


June 


15 


May 20 


May 


31 


June 9 


June 


20 



of Advent being found, the number 
intervenes is the number of Sundays 
A2 - 



of Sundays which 
after Pentecost. 



FESTIVALS, FASTS, &c. 



HOLY-DAYS OF OBLIGATION. 
The Circumcision of our Lord. 
The Epiphany. 

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. 
The Ascension. 

Corpus Cbristi, or the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. 
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. 
All Saints. 

The Nativity of our Lord. 

N. B. Sundays and the Feasts which fall on them ; 
are not included in this enumeration. 



FASTING DAYS. 
Fridays in Advent. 

Everyday in Lent, Sundays excepted. 
The Ember days, which occur four times in the year, 
viz : — the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays — 

1. Immediately after the first Sunday in Lent. 

2. In Whitsun-week. 

3. Immediately after the 14th of September. 

4. Immediately after the third Sunday of Advent. 
The Vigils of Whit-Sunday. 

of the Assumption, 
of All Saints, 
of Christmas 



FESTIVALS, FASTS, &C. 



7 



N. B When a fasting day falls upon a Sunday, it is 
kept on the Saturday preceding that Sunday. 



DAYS OF ABSTINENCE. 

All Fridays and Saturdays, except those Saturdays 
which fall between the 25th of December and the 2d of 
February, inclusively, and all the Sundays in Lent. 
When Christmas falls on Friday, abstinence is not of 
precept. 

Note.— Dispensation to eat fleshmeat on all Satur- 
days "not restricted by a fast," has been granted by his 
Holiness, Pope Gregory XVI., for ten years, from the 
22d June, IS33— and subsequently, (Nov. 22d, 1840,) 
renewed for twenty years more. 



THE SIX PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH. 

1. The Catholic Church commands her children, up- 
on Sundays and Holy-days, to be present at the great 
Eucharistical sacrifice, which we call the Mass ; to rest 
from servile work on those days, and to keep them holy. 

2. She commands them to abstain from flesh on all 
days of fasting and abstinence ; and on fasting days to 
eat but one meal. 

3. She commands them to confess their sins to their 
pastors, at least once a year. 

4. She commands them to receive the blessed Sacra- 
ment at least once a year, and that at Easter, within the 
first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday. 

5. She commands them to contribute to the support 
of their pastors. 



8 



FESTIVALS, FASTS, &C. 



6. She commands them not to solemnize marriage at 
the forbidden times, nor to marry persons within the for 
bidden degrees of kindred, or otherwise prohibited by 
the church. 

The solemnizing of Marriage is forbidden, from the 
first Sunday of Advent, till after the sixth day of Janu- 
ary ; and from the beginning of Lent, till Low Sunday. 



COUNCIL OF LATERAN. 
The fourth Council of Lateran, Can. 21, ordains, — 
"That every one of the faithful of both sexes, after they 
come to the years of discretion, shall, in private, faith- 
fully confess all their sins, at least once a year, to their 
own pastor ; and take care to fulfil, to the best of their 
power, the penance enjoined them ; receiving rever- 
ently, at least at Easter, the Sacrament of the Eucha- 
rist, unless, perhaps, by the counsel of their own pastor s 
for some reasonable cause, they judge proper to abstain 
from it for a time : otherwise let them be excluded out 
of the church, whilst living ; and when they die, be de- 
prived of Christian burial," 



EXPLANATION OF ROMAN CALENDAR. 

The Immoveable Feasts have been carefully distin- 
guished in the Calendar. Those which are of obliga- 
tion, are printed in large capitals, those of peculiar de- 
votion in smaller ones ; the others in ordinary round 
types. Those which are not found in the Roman office 
are in italic letters. 



JANUARY. 



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f CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD. 

f Octave of S. Stephen. 

f Octave of S.John. 

f Octave of holy Innocents. 

f Vigil of Epiphany. 

f EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD. 

Of the Octave of Epiphanv. 

Of the Octave. 

Of the Octave. 

Of the Octave. 

Of the Octave. 

Of the Octave. 

Octave of Epiphany. 

S. Hilary. Bishop of Poitiers. 

S. Paul, first Hermit. 

S. Marcellus. Pope and Martyr. 

S. Anthony, Abbot. 

Chair of St. Peter, at Rome. - 

S. Canute, King of Den. Martyr. 

SS. Fabian and Sebastian, Martyrs. 

S. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. 

SS. Vincent & Anastasius, Martyrs. 

Espousals of the B. V. Mary. 

S. Timothy, Bishop and Martyr. 

Conversion of S. Paul, Apostle. 

S. Poly carp, Bishop and Martyr. 

S. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor. 

S. Raymand of Pennafort, Confessor. 

S. Francis of Sales, Bishop. 

S. Martina, Virgin and Martyr. 

S. Peter Nolasco, Confessor. 



On the 2d Sunday after Epiphany, The most Holy 
name of JESUS. 

N. B. The days marked with a f are days oi 
Plenary Indulgence. 



FEBRUARY. 



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S. Ignatius, Bishop and Martyr. 

t Purification of the B. V. Mary. 

f S. Blase, Bishop and Martyr. 

f S. Andrew Corsini, Bishop. 

f S. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. 

f S. Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr. 

f S. Romuald, Abbot. 

f S. John of Martha, Confessor. 

f S. Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr. 

S. Scholastica, Virgin. 

SS. Saturninus, and his Companions, Martyrs. 

S. Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch, Confessor. 

S. Catharine of Ricci, Virgin. 

S. Valentine, Priest and Martyr. 

SS. Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs. 

S. Onesimus, Bishop of Ephesus, Martyr* 

S. Theodulus, Martyr. 

S. Simeon, Bishop of Jerusalem, 8c Martyr. 

S. Mansuetvs, Bishop of Milan, and Confessor. 

S. Eucherius, Bishop and Confessor. 

S. Severianus, Bishop and Martyr. 

Chair of St. Peter, at Antioch. 

(Vigil.) S. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor. 

S.Matthias, Apostle, in leap years on the 25. 

S. Felix, Pope and Coiifessor. 

S. Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, Confessor. 

S. Leander, Bishop of Seville, Confessor, 

S. Romanus, Abbot. 

S. Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, Confessor. 



; On Friday after Quinquag. Sund., Passion of our 
Lord. 

— after the 1st Sund. of Lent, Crown of Thorns 
of our Lord. 

— after the 2d Sund. of Lent, Spear and Nails 
of our Lord. 



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MARCH. 



S. Albinus. Bishop and Confessor. 
S. Simplicius, Pope and Confessor. 
S. Cunegundes. Virgin. 
S. Casimir, Confessor. 
S. Phocas, Martyr. 
SS. Victor and Comp. Martyrs. 
S. Thomas of Aquino, Conf. and Doctor. 
S. John of God, Confessor. 
S. Frances, Widow. 
The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. 
S. Eidogius, Priest and Martyr. 
S. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor. \ 
S. Euphrasia, Virgin. I 
S. Mathilda, Widow. 

S. Longinus, Martyr. t 

S. Abraham, Hermit. \ 

S. Patrick, Bishop, Apostle of Ireland. ? 

S. Gabriel, Archangel. 

S. Joseph, Spouse of the B. V. Mary. j 

S. Cuthbert, Bishop and Confessor. j 

S. Benedict, Abbot. j 

S. Basil, Pnest and Martyr. \ 

S. Turibius, Bishop of Lima, Confessor. I 

S. Simeon, Martyr. \ 

f ANNUNCIATION of the B. V. MARY, 

f S. Ludger, Bishop and Confessor. 

f S. John, Hermit. \ 

j S. Gontran, King and Con fessor, 

t S. Cyrillus, Deacon and Martyr. 

t S. John Climacus, Abbot. \ 

f S. Balbina, Virgin. \ 



On Friday after the 3d Sund. of Lent, Five Wounds j 
of our Lord. i 

after the 4th Sund. of Lent, The most precious < 

Blood of our Lord. \ 

— after Passion Sund. the feast of the Comp \ssion \ 
of the B. V. Mary. j 



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APRIL. 

f S. Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble, Confessor. 

S. Francis of Paula, Confessor. 

S. Richard, Bishop and Confessor. 

S. Isidore, Bishop of Seville, and Doctor. 

S. Vincent Ferrier, Confessor. 

S. Celesiine I., Pope and Confessor. 

S. Hegesippus, Confessor. 

S. Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth. 

S.Mary of Cleophas, sister of the B. V. Mary. 

S. Macarius, Bishop of Antioch, and Confessor, 

S. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor. 

S. Victor, Martyr. 

S. Hermenesrild, Martyr. 

SS. Tiburtius, Valerian andMaximus, Mar. 

SS. Basilissa and Anastasia, Martyrs. 

S. Lambert, Martyr. 

S. Anicetus, Pope and Martyr. 

S. Perfcctus, Priest and Martyr. 

S. Timon, Deacon and Martyr. 

S. Agnes, Virgin. 

S. Anselin, Bishop of Canterbury, & Doctor. 

SS. Soter and Caius, Popes and Martyrs. 

S. George, Martyr. 

S. Fidelis, Martyr. 

S. Mark, Evangelist. 

SS. Cletus & Marcellinus, Popes and Marts. 

S. John, Abbot and Confessor. 

S. Vitalis, Martyr. 

S. Peter, Martyr. 

S. Catharine of Sienna, Virgin. 



\ On the third Sunday after Easter, Patronage of! 
I S. Joseph. 



MAY. 



SS. Philip and James, Apostles. 

S. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, & Doct. 

Finding of the Holy Cross. 

S. Monica, Widow. 

S. Pius V., Pope and Confessor. 

S. John the Apostle, before the Latin Gate. 

S. Stanislas, Bishop and Martyr. 

Apparition of S. Michael, the Archangel. 

S. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Doctor. 

S. Antoninus, Bishop of Florence. 

S. Mamertus, Bishop of Vienna, and Confessor. 

SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs. 

S. John the Silent, Hermit. 

S. Boniface, Martyr. 

SS. Torquaius and his Companions, Martyrs. 

S. Ubaldus, Bishop. 

S. Paschal Baylon, Confessor. 

S. Venantius, Martyr. 

S. Peter Celestin'e, Pope. 

S. Bernardin of Sienna, Confessor. 

S. Vulens, Bishop and Martyr. 

S. John Nepomucen, Martyr. 

S. Desiderius, Bishop and Martyr. 

Feast ofB.Y. M. as help of Christians. 

S. Gregory VII., Pope and Confessor. 

S. Philip of Neri, Confessor. 

S. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, Virgin. 

S. Germanus, Bishop of Paris, and Confessor. 

S. Maximns, Bishop of Triers, and Confessor. 

S. Felix, Pope and Martyr. 

S. Petronilla, Virgin. 



On Friday next to the Octave of Corpus Christi, the j 
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 



JUNE. 



1 


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3 




4 


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5 


b 


6 


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7 


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11 


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S. Pamphilus, Priest and Martyr. 

SS. Marcellus, Peter and Erasmus, Martyrs. 

S. Clotildis, Queen of France. 

S. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor. 

S. Boniface, Bishop, Apostle of Germany. 

S. Norbert, Bishop of Magde burgh. 

S. Robert, Abbot. 

S. Medardus, Bishop and Confessor. 
SS. Primus and Felicianus, Martyrs. 
S. Margaret, Queen of Scotland. 
S. Barnabas, Apostle. 
S. John a S. Facundo, Confessor. 
S. Anthony of Padua, Confessor. 
S. Basil the Great, Bishop and Doctor. 
SS. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, Martyrs. 
S. John Francis Rea;is, Confessor. 
S. Avitus, Priest and Confessor. 
SS. Marcus and Marcellianus, Martyrs. 
S. Juliana of Falconieri, Virgin. 
S. Silverius, Pope and Martyr. 
S. Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor. 
S. Paulinus, Bishop of Nola. 
Vigil of S. John the Baptist. 
Nativity of S. John the Baptist. 
S. William, Abbot. 
SS. John and Paul, Martyrs. 
Of the Octave of S. John the Baptist. 
(Vigil.) S. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, & Mar. j 
t SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles. 
f Commemoration of S. Paul. 



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JULY. 

f Octave of S. John the Baptist. 

t Visitation of the B. V. Mary. 

f Of the Octave of SS. Peter and Paul. 

f Of the Octave. 

f Of the Octave. 

f Octave of SS. Peter and Paul. 

S. Leo II., Pope and Confessor. 

S. Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal. 

8. Cyrillus, Bishop of Gortyna, Martyr. 

The Seven Brothers, Martyrs. 

S. Pius I., Pope and Martyr. 

S. John Gualbert, Abbot. 

S. Anacletus, Pope and Martyr. 

S. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor. 

S. Henry, Emperor, Confessor. 

B. Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. 

S. Alexius, Confessor. 

S. Camillus of Lellis, Confessor. 

S. Vincent of Paul, Confessor. 

S. Jerom iEmilian, Confessor. 

S. Praxedes, Virgin. 

S. Mary Magdalen, Penit. 

S. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr. 

Vigil of S. James, Ap. 

S. James, Apostle. 

S. Ann, Mother of the B. V. Mary. 

S. Pantaleon, Martyr. 

SS. Nazarius, Celsus, &c. Martyrs. 

S. Martha, Virgin. 

SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs. 

S. Ignatius, Founder of the Society of Jesus. 



AUGUST. 



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S. Peter's Chains. 
S. Alphonsus M. Liguori, Bishop. 
Finding of the Relics of St. Stephen 
S. Dominick, Confessor. 
Dedication of S. Mary ad Nives. 
Transfiguration of our Lord. 
S. Cajetan, Confessor. 

SS. Cyriacus, Largus & Smaragdus, Martyrs. 

Vigil of S. Lawrence. 

S. Lawrence, Martyr. 

Of the Octave of S. Lawrence. 

S. Clara, Virgin. 

Of the Octave of S. Lawrence. 

Vigil of Assumption, with fast. 

f ASSUMPTION OF THE B. V. MARY. 

f S. Hyacinthus. Confessor. 

\ Octave of S. Lawrence. 

f Of the Octave of Assumption. 

f Of the Octave of Assumption. 

f S. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor. 

t S. Jane Frances de Chantal, Widow. 

f Octave of the Assumption. 

(Vigil.) S. Philip Beniti, Confessor. 

S. Bartholomew, Apostle. 

S. Lewis, King of France, Confessor. 

S. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr. 

S. Joseph Calasanctius, Confessor. 

S. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor. 

Beheading of St. John the Baptist. 

S. Rose of Lima, Virgin. 

S. Raymund Nonnatus, Confessor. 



; On the Sunday within the Oct. of the Assumption, the 
Feast of S. Joachim, the Father of the B. V. 
Mary. 



SEPTEMBER. 



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S. Giles, Abbot. 

S. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor. 
S. Simeon Stylites, Confessor. 
S. Rosalia, Virgin. 

S. Lawrence Justinian, Bishop of Venice. 

S. Onesiphorus, Martyr. 

S. Regina, Virgin and Martyr. 

■f Nativity of the B. 'Virgin Mary. 

f Of the Octave of the Nativity of B. V. M. 

f S. Nicholas Tolentine, Confessor. 

j Of the Octave. 

t Of the Octave. 

f Of the Octave. 

f Exaltation of the Holy Cross. 
{ Octave of the Nativity. 
SS. Cornelius and Cyprian, Bishops & Marts. I 
Stigmata of S. Francis. ! 
S. Joseph a Cupertino, Confessor. 5 
SS. Januarius, Bishop, h Companions, Marts. ( 
(Vigil.) SS. Eustachius and Comp., Martyrs. \ 
S. Matthew, Apostle. 
S. Thomas of Villanova, Confessor. 
S. Linus, Pope and Martyr. 
Our Lady of Mercy. 
S. Cleophas, Martyr. 
SS. Cyprian and Justina, Martyrs. 
SS. Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs. 
S. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia, Martyr, 
f S. Michael, Archangel. 
f S. Jerom, Priest and Doctor. 



On the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity, the 
Feast of the Holy Name of Mary ; and the Sun- 
day following, the Feast of the Seven Dolours. 



OCTOBER. 



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f S. Remigius, Bishop, 

t The Guardian Angels. 

f S. Candidus, Martyr. 

f S. Francis of Assisium, Confessor. 

f SS. Placidus and Companions, Martyrs. 

t S. Bruno, Confessor. 

S. Mark, Pope and Confessor. 

S. Bridget, Widow. 

SS. Dionysius and Companions, Martyrs. 

S. Francis Borgia, Confessor. 

S. Germanus, Bishop and Martyr. 

S. Wilfrid, Bishop and Confessor. 

S. Edward, King of England, Confessor. 

S. Callistus, Pope and Martyr. 

S. Teresa, Virgin. 

S. Lullus, Bishop of Merits. 

S. Hedwiges, Widow. 

S. Luke, Evangelist. 

S. Peter of Alcantara, Confessor. 

S. John Cantius, Confessor. 

S. Hilarion, Abbot. 

S. Mark, Bishop of Jerusalem, Martyr. 

S. Ignatius, Bishop of Constantinople, Martyr. 

S. Raphael, Archangel. 

SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs. 

S. Evaristus, Pope and Martyr. 

Vigil of SS. Simon and Jude. 

SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles. 

S. Thcodorus, Abbot. 

S. Serapion, Bishop and Confessor. 

Vigil of All Saints, with fast. 



On the 1st Sunday of October, the Feast of the Holy 
Rosary of the B. V.Mary; and on the 3d^ 
Sunday, the Feast of the Maternity of the s 
same B. Virgin. \ 



I SAM 



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t FEAST OF ALL SAINTS, 
f Commemoration of all Souls. 

t Of the Octave of All Saints. • 
f S. Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Confessor. $ 

f Of the Octave. i 

f Of the Octave. j 

t Of the Octave. \ 

] Octave of All Saints. \ 

Dedication of the Lateran Church. ] 

S. Andrew Avellino, Confessor. J 

S. Martin, Bishop of Tours. j 

S. Martin, Pope and Martyr. \ 

S. Didacus, Confessor. \ 

S. Stanislas Kostka, Confessor. j 

S. Gertrude, Virgin. j 

S. Edmund, Bishop and Confessor. \ 

S. Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bishop. c 
Dedicat. of the Churches of SS. Peter Sc Paul. 

S. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow. \ 

S. Felix of Valois, Confessor. r j 

Presentation of the B. V Mary. ) 
S. Caecilia, Virgin and Martyr. 

S. Clement, Pope and Martyr. \ 

S. John of the Cross, Confessor. I 

S. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr. i 
S. Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, and Martyr. \ 
S. Severinus, Hermit. 
S. Gregory 111., Pope and Confessor. 

Vigil of S. Andrew. I 

S. Andrew, Apostle. ^ 

On the 2d Sunday of Nov. Patronage of the B.\ 
V. Mary. 

\ The 1st Sunday of Advent, is the next after the 26th j 

day of November. I 



DECEMBER. 



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S. Eligius, Bishop and Confessor, 
S. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr. 
S. Francis Xavier, Confessor. 
S. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor. 
S. Sabbas, Abbot. 
S. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. 
S. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, and Doctor, 
t Conception of the B. V. Mary. 
t Of the Octave of the Concept, of B. V. M. 
t Of the Octave. 

f S. Damasus, Pope and Martyr. 
| Of the Octave, 
f S. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, 
f Of the Octave. 

f Octave of the Conception of the B.V. Mary. 
S. Eusebius, Bishop and Martyr. 
S. Olympias, Widow. 

Expect, of the Deliv. of the B. V. M. 

S. Timothy, Deacon and Martyr. 

Vigil of S. Thomas. 

S. Thomas, Apostle. 

S. Ischyrion, Martyr. 

S. Victoria, Virgin and Martyr. 

Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord, with fast. 

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD. 

S. Stephen, first Martyr. 

S. John, Apostle and Evangelist. 

Holy Innocents. 

S. Thomas, Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr 
Of the Octave of the Nativ. of our Lord. 
S. Sylvester, Pope and Confe ssor. 



m 

A 

PROFESSION 

OF 

CATHOLIC FAITH. 



£ N. N. with a firm faith believe and profess 
all and every one of those things, which are 
contained in that Creed, which the Holy Catho- 
lic (Roman) Church, maketh use of; to wit, I 
believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker 
of Heaven and Earth, of all things visible and in- 
visible : and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only 
begotten Son of God, and born of the Father be- 
fore all ages ; God of God ; light of light; true 
God of the true God : begotten, not made ; con- 
substantial to the Father, by whom all things 
were made. Who, for us man, and for our sal- 
vation, came down from Heaven, and was incar- 
nate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and 
was made man. Was crucified also for us under 
Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried: 
and the third day he rose again according to the 
scriptures : He ascended into Heaven ; sits at 
the right hand of the Father ; and is come again 
with glory to judge the living and the dead ; of 
whose kingdom there shall be no end. And in 
the Holy Ghost, the Lord and life -giver, who pro- 
ceeds from the Father and the Son, who, togeth- 
er with the Father and the Son, is adoied and 
glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And 



A PROFESSION OF 



(I believe) One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic 
Church: I confess one Baptism for the remission 
of sins : and I expect the resurrection of the 
dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

I most stedfastly admit and embrace Apostoli - 
cal and ecclesiastical Traditions, and all other 
observances and constitutions of the Church. 

I also admit the holy Scripture according to 
that sense ; which our holy Mother, the Church, 
has held, and does hold, to which it belongs tr 
Judge of the true sense and interpretations ol 
the Scriptures: Neither will I ever take and 
interpret them otherwise than according to the 
unanimous consent of the Fathers. 

I also profess, that there are truly and pro- 
perly Seven Sacraments of the New Law, insti- 
tuted by Jesus Christ our Lord, and necessary 
for the salvation of mankind ; though not all, for 
every one : to wit, Baptism, Confirmation, Eu» 
charist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Order, and 
Matrimony : and that they confer grace : And 
that of these, Baptism, Confirmation, and Order* 
cannot be reiterated without sacrilege. I also 
receive and admit the received and approved 
Ceremonies of the Catholic Church, in the solemn 
administration of all the aforesaid Sacraments. 

I embrace and receive all and every one of 
the things, which have been defined and declar- 
ed in the holy Council of Trent, concerning 
Original Sin and Justification, 

I profess likewise, that in the Mass there is 
offered to God, a true, proper, and propitiatory 
sacrifice for the living and the dead. And thai 
in the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist , ther* 



CATHOLIC FAITH. 



23 



is truly, really, and substantially, the Body and 
Blood, together with the Soul and Divinity of our 
Lord Jesus Christ : And that there is made a con- 
version of the whole substance of the bread into 
the body, and of the whole substance of the 
wine into the blood; which conversion the 
Catholic Church calls Transubstantialion. I also 
confess, that under either kind alone Christ is re- 
ceived whole and entire, and a true sacrament. 

I constantly hold, that there is a Purgatory, 
and that the souls therein detained, are helped 
oy the suffrages of the faithful. 

Likewise, that the Saints, reigning together 
with Christ, are to be honoured and invocated, 
and that they offer prayers to God for us, and 
that their relicks are to be respected. 

I most firmly assert, that the Images of Christ, 
of the Mother of God, ever Virgin, and also of the 
Saints, ought to be had and retained, and that 
due honour and veneration is to be given them. 

I also affirm, that the power of Indulgences 
tvas left by Christ in the Church, and that the 
use of them is most wholesome to Christian 
people. 

I acknowledge the Holy, Catholic, Apostolic 
Roman Church, for the Mother and Mistress of 
all Churches ; and I promise true obedience to 
the Bishop of Rome, successor to St. Peter, 
Prince of the Apostles, and Vicar of Jesus Christ. 

I likewise undoubtedly receive and profess 
all other things delivered, denned and declared 
by the Sacred Canons, and General Councils, 
and particularly by the Holy Council of Trent. 

And I condemn, reject, and anathematize aL 



24 A SHORT REGULATION OF LIFE. 

things contrary thereto, and all heresies what- 
soever, condemned, rejected and anathematized 
by the Church. 

This true Catholic faith, without which no 
one can be saved, I N. N. do at this present 
freely profess and sincerely hold, and I promise 
most constantly to retain, and confess the same 
entire and un violated, with God's assistance, to 
the end of my life. Amen. 

A SHORT REGULATION OF LIFE. 

The young ones taken with thy Charms, have loved thee) 
we shall run after the Odours of thy perfumes ! Cant. i. 3 . 

O virtue ! how amiable, and how worthy 
of our pursuits thou art I thou alone canst se- 
cure Heaven unto us, the eternal possession of 
God, and peace in our hearts here on earth, than 
which nothing is more deserving our ambition. 

Let a love for virtue, the desire of serving 
God according to the end of your creation, and 
of improving this short time for a blessed eter- 
nity, induce you to adopt the following regula- 
tion of life for yours. 

Every Day. 

1. Faithfully to discharge the duty of Morn- 
ing and Evening prayer. 

2. To dedicate some time to the practice of 
mental prayer. 

3. To assist at the adorable Sacrifice of Mass- 

4. Every day to rise early, in order to be 
able to perform the above, at least soon enough 
never to indulge sloth. 



A SHORT REGULATION OF LIFE. 25 

5. To have your fixed and regular hours to 
attend to the duties of your state ; and usefully 
to fill up your time. 

Q. Every day to give some time to spiritual 
reading ; if prevented, to supply it, by the re- 
membrance of past lectures, instructions, and 
good sentiments. 

7. Never to go to bed, without the previous 
examen of your conscience 

If you desire to know more of the manner of 
sanctifying your daily actions, such as meals, 
conversation, work, recreations, &c. The les- 
sons laid down in spiritual books, the instruc- 
tions of a ghostly Father, your own wants, with 
a great attention and fidelity to God's grace and 
lights, will inform you. 

Let the following general rules ever guide 
you. 1st. The frequent remembrance of God's 
presence. 2d. Purity of intention in all you 
do, proposing to yourself God's will and plea- 
sure, &c. 

3. To be attentive to your predominant pas- 
sion or evil inclinations } and to apply yourself 
to the conquering of them. Think yourself 
never happier than when you have wherein to 
overcome yourself, both on the account of hon- 
ouring God by the homage of some victory, and 
on account of the opportunity given you of in- 
creasing your merits, and augmenting your 
crown in Heaven. 

Every Week. 

Have a care to perform some act of charity , 
C 



26 A SHORT REGULATION OF LIFE . 

corporal or spiritual, in the assistance of your 
neighbour ; also some act of penance. 

On the Fridays, honoui? in a particular man- 
ner the passion of our Lord ; on the Saturdays, 
our blessed Lady ; often recommend yourself 
to her special protection. At the end of the 
week make a general examen of your con- 
science, and purpose for the next. 

Every Month. 

Approach the Sacraments ; wish for the dis- 
positions and opportunity that might enable you 
to receive them oftener. Prepare yourself 
with all diligence possible, to receive them with 
fruit. Do not pass over any plenary indul- 
gence ; pay a particular regard to the Feasts 
occurring in the month. 

Every month make your preparation for 
death : settle both spiritual and temporal affairs 
to this end. Pray often for the grace of final 
perseverance. 

Every Year. 

Retire yourself from the world and from 
business, to make a sort of spiritual retreat of 
eight days, at least of three ; take then a review 
of the state of your conscience ; make a gene- 
ral confession of your sins for the year past, if 
judged proper ; renew your resolutions , lay 
some new plan for your further advancement : 
take the advice of your ghostly Father, and 
receive his counsels with humility. 

Do this, and thou shalt live. Luke cap. 10. 
v. 28. 



( 27 ) 



MORNING PRAYERS. 

Blessed be the Most Holy and Undivided 
Trinity, now and for ever, world without end. 
Amen. 

Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, prostrate at 
the throne of thy mercy, I do with all the powers 
of my soul adore thy Divine Majesty, and ac- 
knowledge that to thee alone is due all love, 
praise, and thanksgiving, for thy infinite goodness. 

I firmly believe, and am ready to profess what- 
soever thou hast revealed to thy holy Church. I 
hope in thy mercies. I love thy unspeakable 
goodness. I am sorry that I have ever displeased 
thee : and therefore detest all sin, and resolve 
rather to die, than ever offend thee. 

Blessed be thy holy name, most sovereign 
Lord, for all favours bestowed upon me, or any 
creature ; but especially I thank thy divine good- 
ness for my creation, redemption, and conserva- 
tion ; for my call and perseverance in thy Holy 
Catholic Church ; for N. N. and particularly for 
thy fatherly care and providence over me in all 
the accidents and encounters of my life, espe- 
cially for preserving me this night from all evil of 
body and soul ; and granting me this day, where- 
in I may serve thee. 

I offer thee, my God, in thanksgiving for these 
and all other favours whatsoever, spiritual or tern- 



28 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



poral, my soul and body, my memory, understand- 
ing, and will ; all the thoughts, words, and deeds 
of my whole life, whether present or future : bul 
especially those of this present day, in union with 
the bitter death and passion of my dear Savioui 
Jesus Christ, the merits of his blessed Mother, 
the ever immaculate Virgin Mary, and of all the 
Saints and Angels in Heaven and faithful upon 
earth. 

I likewise offer to thy infinite goodness, all the 
mortifications and good works of all the just ; es- 
pecially of those that ever promised to pray for 
me : all the Sacrifices of Mass that have been, 
are, or will be offered to thy divine Majesty this 
day, or at any time, throughout the whole world. 

First and chiefly to the eternal praise of thy 
own adorable Majesty, to the glory of the sacred 
humanity of Christ our Lord, to the honour of 
the blessed Virgin Mary, of my Angel Guardian, 
of my Patrons and Patronesses, N. N., of the 
saints of this present day, of those whose holy 
relicks I have, and of all the saints and angels 
in Heaven, whose intercession I most humbly 
implore. 

Secondly, I offer the same oblation for the 
gaining such indulgences as are annexed to any 
action of this day, to obtain pardon for my sins, 
whether of commission or omission ; an increase 
of thy divine grace, an ardent love of thy sove- 
reign goodness, and a happy death, fortified with 
all the rites and sacraments of the holy Church ; 
humbly begging that thy holy hand may this day 
and all the days of my life, preserve me from all 
sin and danger. In fine, that I may be such as 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



29 



thou desirest, in all and every thought, word, 
and action of my life and death. 

I also offer it for N. JY. and those I have pro- 
mised or have any obligation, or thou desirest I 
should pray for ; and that we may be perfected 
in all virtue: and lastly, for the conversion of 
souls, and for the whole universal Church, that 
we may, according to our degrees and callings, 
serve thee in sanctity and perfection all the days 
of our lives. 

The satisfactory part I freely offer for the 
souls in Purgatory, namely, for JY. JY. and espe- 
cially for those to whose suffering there I have 
been any ways accessary ; for this reason chiefly, 
that seeing I am so ungrateful to thee upon earth, 
I mav by this means prove instrumental to others 
loving thee most fervently in Heaven. 

Here say the Lord's Prayer. 

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be 
thy Name ; thy Kingdom come ; thy Will be 
done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us tins 
Day our daily Bread ; and forgive us our Tres- 
passes, as we forgive them that trespass against 
us. And lead us not into Temptation ; but de- 
liver us from Evil. Amen. 

The Angelical Salutation. 

Hail Mary, full of Grace, our Lord is with 
thee ; Blessed art thou amongst Women, and 
blessed is the Fruit of thy Womb, Jesus. Holy 
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, 
and in the hour of our death. Amen. 

c 2 



30 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



The Apostles' Creed. 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Crea- 
tor of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, 
his only Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by 
the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suf- 
fered under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead 
and buried ; he descended into Hell ; the third 
day he rose again from the Dead ; he ascended 
into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God 
the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall come 
to judge the living and the dead. I believe in 
the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church: the 
Communion of Saints : the Forgiveness of Sins : 
the Resurrection of the Flesh : and Life Ever- 
lasting. Amen. 

The Conjiteor.. 

I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary 
ever a Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, 
to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles 
Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have 
sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, 
Through my fault, through my fault, through my 
most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the 
blessed Mary ever a Virgin, the blessed Michael 
the Archangel, the blessed John the Baptist, the 
holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, 
to pray to the Lord our God for me. 

May Almighty God have mercy on me, forgive 
me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen. 

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me 
Pardon, Absolution, and Remission of all my 
Sins. Amen. 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



31 



" Then call to mind the sins and daily infidelities you 
usually fall into, and endeavour to foresee the occasions of 
such failings, to which you may be exposed during the present 
day. Examine particularly your words and behaviour, to 
your children, servants, &c. ; resolve to avoid what is wrong, 
and say — " 

With most humble submission, I acknowledge, 

0 Lord ! my many and daily transgressions of 
thy holy law. iVnd in the bitterness of my soul, 

1 bewail my ingratitude, in misspending so much 
precious time, allowed me by thy infinite good- 
ness, for no other purpose, than to lay up trea- 
sures for eternal life. Penetrated with a sense 
of thy predilection for me, a poor, ungrateful, 
and miserable sinner ; I here, in thy sacred pre- 
sence, Eternal God, and in the sight of my An- 
gel Guardian, do most sincerely enter on my 
duty, and am resolved to spend this day to thy 
honour and glory. I offer to thee those vows I 
made at entering into thy Holy Church, and from 
my heart I here repeat and renew the same, viz : 
I renounce the devil, with all his works ; the 
world, with ail its pomps ; and the flesh, with all 
its temptations. 

" Make acts of faith, hope, and charity ; dur- 
ing the course of the day, frequently turn your 
heart to God, and renew the offerings of your 
actions, which you made in the morning." 

Jin Act of Faith. 
0 my God, I firmly believe all the sacred 
truths the holy Catholic church believes and 
teaches, because thou hast revealed them, who 
neither canst deceive nor be deceived. 



32 



MORNING PRAYERS. 



I explicitly believe that there is one God, in 
three distinct persons, the Father, and the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost : I believe that the second 
person, the Son of God, became man, suffered 
and died on the Cross for our redemption ; that 
he rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven, 
and at the end of the world shall come to judge 
all men according to their works, and reward 
the just with eternal glory, and punish the 
wicked with everlasting pains. In this faith I 
am firmly resolved to live and die. 

An Act of Hope. 
O my God, relying on thy infinite goodness 
and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my 
sins, and life everlasting, through the merits of 
Jesus Christ, and by the intercession of his 
blessed Mother and all the Saints. 

An Act of Love. 
O my God, I love thee above all things, with 
my whole heart and soul, purely because thou art 
infinitely amiable and deserving of all love : I 
also love my neighbour as myself, for the love ot 
thee ; I forgive all that have injured me, and ask 
pardon of all I have injured. 

An Act of Contrition. 

O my God, I am sorry for having offended 
thee, because thou art infinitely good, infinitely 
amiable, and because sin is infinitely displeasing 
to thee : and I make a firm resolution, by the 
assistance of thy holy grace, to amend my life, 
and never more to offend thee. 

Here follows the Litany of Jesus, as in p. 42 



< 33 ) 



NIGHT PRAYERS. 



" Let us enter m spirit into the adorable Heart 
■ of Jesus ; let us place ourselves in the presence 
of God ; let us adore him, and give him thanks 
for all the benefits we have received from him 
particularly this day." 

0 my God ! we adore thee through the sacred 
Heart of thy divine Son as our Creator and sove- 
reign good ; we give thee thanks for all thy mer- 
cies to us, spiritual and temporal, general and 
particular, but more especially for the favours be- 
stowed on us this day. May thy holy name be 
eternally praised and glorified, and may we never 
be ungrateful to thy bounties. Amen. 

" Let us ask of our Lord Jesus Christ grace to 
discover the sins we have committed this day, and 
let us beg of him a true sorrow for them." 

0 my Lord Jesus Christ! judge of the living 
and the dead, before whom we must one day ap- 
. pear to give an exact account of our whole lives, 
enlighten us, we beseech thee, and give us an 
humble and contrite heart, that we may see, where- 
in we have offended thy infinite Majesty, and judge 
ourselves now with such a just severity that then 
thou mayest judge us with mercy and clemency. 
Amen. 



34 



NIGHT PRAYERS, 



" Let us examine ourselves and consider how 
we have spent this day, what sins we have com- 
mitted against God, our neighbour or ourselves, 
and reflect whether we have complied with the 
full duty of our state of life." 

Against God. 

By omission or negligence in the discharge of 
our religious duties, irreverence, wilful distrac- 
tions, or inattentions in prayer, resistance to di- 
vine grace, oaths, murmuring, want of confidence 
and resignation — pause and examine. 

Against our Neighbour* 

By rash judgments, hatred, contempt, desire 
of revenge, quarrelling, passion, raillery, impre- 
cations, injuries, detraction, false reports, damag- 
ing either in goods or reputation, bad example, 
scandal, want of obedience, respect, charity, or 
fidelity — pause and examine. 

Against Ourselves. 

By vanity, human respects, lies, thoughts, de- 
sires, discourses, or actions contrary to purity ; 
by intemperance, rage or impatience, by an use- 
less and sensual life, or by sloth, in not comply- ♦ 
ing with the duties of our state — pause and ex- 
amine. 

Here say the Lord's Prayer, the Angelical Sa* 
lutation, the Apostles' Creed, the Conjiteor, may 
the Almighty, fyc. as in morning prayers. 



NIGHT PRAYERS. 



35 



AN ACT OF CONTRITION 

Most merciful Lord ! we are sorry from the 
bottom of our hearts for all the sins we have com- 
mitted, purely because they are offensive to thee, 
who art a God of infinite goodness ; we sincere- 
ly detest them, and firmly purpose through thy 
holy grace never to offend thee any more. En- 
lighten our understanding, and strengthen our 
will, that we may persevere in thy favour till 
death. Amen. 

O my God ! we firmly believe all the sacred 
truths, the Catholic Church believes and teaches, 
because thou hast revealed them. Relying upon 
thy goodness and promises, we hope to obtain 
pardon for our sins, and life everlasting, through 
the merits of Jesus Christ, and by the intercession 
of his blessed Mother and all the Saints. We 
love thee above all things with our whole heart 
and soul, purely for thyself, and we desire to 
love thee, as the blessed do in heaven : we also 
love our neighbour for thy sake, as we love our- 
selves, and we sincerely forgive all that have in- 
jured us, and ask pardon of all we have injured. 
We adore all the designs of thy divine Provi- 
dence, resigning ourselves entirely to thy will 
We reno ( ;ace the devil with all his works, the 
world with all its pomps, and the flesh with all 
its temptations : we desire to be dissolved and be 
with Christ. 

V. Father, into thy hands we commend our 
spirit. 

R. Sweet Jesus, receive our souls. 



36 



WIGHT PRAYERS. 



V. May the blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph 
and all the Saints and Angels, gloriiy, adore, and 
love the sacred heart of Jesus for us this night, 
and pray for us to our Lord, that we may be pre- 
served during it from all sin and evil. 

Blessed Saint Michael, defend us in the da) 
of battle, that we may not be lost at the dreadfui 
judgment. O Angels of God, to whose care we 
are committed by the supreme clemency, enlight- 
en, govern and defend us this night from all sin 
and danger. Save us, O Lord ! waking, and 
keep us sleeping, that we may watch with Christ; 
and rest in peace. Vouchsafe, O Lord ! this 
night to keep us without sin. 

R. Have mercy on us, 0 Lord ! have mercy 
on us. 

V. 0 Lord, hear our prayer. 

R. And let our supplication come unto thee. 

Let us pray. 

Yisit, we beseech thee, 0 Lord ! this habita- 
tion, and drive from it all the snares of the ene- 
my. Let thy holy Angels dwell therein to pre- 
serve us in peace, and may thy blessing be upon 
us forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

God the Father ! bless us; Jesus Christ! de- 
fend and keep us ; the virtue of the Holy Ghost ! 
enlighten and sanctify us this night and forever ; 
and may the souls of the faithful departed, through 
the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 



( 37 ) 



THE DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF 
JESUS. 

I will speak to his Heart, and f rom it obtain whatever 1 
shall desire. — St. Bonayest, in stiraulo amoris, p. 1. 
cap. 1. 

The Practice of this Devotion explained. 
In general, by the practice of this devotion 
nothing more is meant, than the use of such 
means as are best calculated to render us true 
adorers and faithful imitators of the sacred Heart 
of Jesus Christ. Now, this practice is both inte- 
rior and exterior. The interior practice consists in 
the inward acts of faith, adoration, love, hope, con- 
fidence, gratitude, and the like. The exterior 
practice consists in outward and visible acts, such 
as are meant to denote outwardly the inward devo- 
tion. Of this sort are prayers, novenas, confes- 
sions, visits to Jesus Christ in the blessed Sacra- 
ment, associations, confraternities, fasting, pen- 
ances, and generally all pious and edifying acts, 
which are performed to honour the adoral3le Heart 
of our blessed Redeemer. Whereupon, it is not 
amiss to observe, that we must not so rest and 
depend on these outward practices, as to persuade 
ourselves, that if we have but performed them, we 
have thereby fulfilled all justice. This would be 
confining the whole system of devotion to bare 
and empty ceremonies. Much less ought they to 
be considered as a claim to impunity for one's 
faults, or as a security of a future conversion, af- 
ter having long slighted Almighty God's grace. 
This would be a gross illusion and a fatal abuse, 
ever disavowed by all true devotion. — Bui on the 

D 



38 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



other hand, because devotion is misused, it is no 
reason why it should be condemned or suppressed; 
for the best things are liable to be misused. The 
abuse, indeed, ought to be checked ; but the de- 
votion itself, holy, saintly, and solid, should ever 
be preserved. 

These general notions being once premised, let 
us now consider, in particular) the devotions to be 
practised in honour of the sacred Heart of Jesus. 
Among them some are to be performed every 
year, some every month, some every week, and 
some every day. 

Every Year. v 
The solemn festival of this devotion, is fixed 
on the first Friday after the Octave of Corpus 
Ghristi. This day must be sanctified and conse- 
crated to the love of our blessed Saviour, by 
prayer, pious reading, visits to the blessed Sacra- 
ment, and every other good work ; and therefore, 
from the very eve, prepare for this solemn day, 
by some act of penance or charity, in order to 
prepare your heart for the divine grace. On the 
festival itself, repair to the sacraments of penance 
and holy communion. In your confession on 
that day, accuse yourself, and detest in a special 
manner your many infidelities and acts of disre- 
spect towards the blessed Sacrament. Your 
communion ought to be performed with so much 
the more fervour, as it is intended as a reparation 
of honour and supplement for the many negli- 
gences and defects in former communions. In 
the afternoon, you shall make a special visit to 
the blessed Sacrament, and there make a solemn 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



39 



act of atonement to the sacred Heart, to make 
amends, as much as possible, for all the indigni- 
ties it receives every day in the blessed Eucharist, 
and for such, as we ourselves have perhaps been 
guilty of. 

Every Month. 

Besides the principal feast, which happens but 
once a year, the first Friday of every month has 
oeen consecrated to the sacred Heart. On that 
day, the clients endeavour to perform anew, either 
wholly or in part, the religious duties practised on 
the feast itself, as for instance, confession, com- 
munion, visits to the blessed Sacrament, the 
reparation of honour, &c. 

They consider the first Friday of the month, 
as a special festival proper for them. They are 
not, however, thereby debarred from attending to 
their own respective employments, provided they 
-offer their work to God for that end. 

Every Week. 

The warm and fervorous clients of this devo- 
tion, who endeavour to procure for themselves a 
more plentiful flow of heavenly graces, are not 
satisfied with honouring this divine heart once a 
month : they have moreover consecrated the 
Friday of every week to its honour. On that 
day, they perform some acts of devotion, some 
good works, or small mortifications, either interior 
or exterior, in this view, and with this motive, to 
testify their gratitude, and repair by their love, the 
ingratitude of man to Jesus Christ. Thus we 
find, that in other devotions, besides the principal 



40 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



festival, particular and privileged days are kept 
every week. Tuesday, for instance, is conse- 
crated to the Guardian Angels throughout the 
whole year ; Thursday, to the blessed Sacrament ; 
Saturday, to our blessed Lady, &c. 

Every Day. 

The following practises are so much the more 
valuable, as they are more frequent, and lie within 
the reach of every body. They are reduced mostly 
to this : to perform all our daily actions, in union 
with the sacred Heart ; so that, when we pray, 
we pray with it ; when we love, we love with it ; 
when we act, we act with and in it ; when we 
suffer, we suffer in and for it. This is an admir- 
able art to heap up treasures of merits, graces, 
and glory. For as there is nothing so noble in 
the eyes of the Divine Majesty, as the sacred 
Heart of his Son, so there is nothing more accept- 
able to him than the union of our actions with 
that adorable Heart. The infinitely holy dispo- 
sitions of it, make up for the deficiency of our 
very imperfect actions, which through this union, 
are in some measure divinized. 

Think therefore often, devout souls, on Jesus 
Christ, and repair to him, in all your wants ; ad- 
vise with him, in your doubts and anxieties ; 
speak to him, of your troubles and afflictions, 
give him an account of your thoughts, designs, 
and schemes, lay before him, your faults, tempta- 
tions and passions. Beg of him, to remedy all 
your evils, live in him, breathe for him alone. 
He will stand you in lieu of every thing else, ii 
you but know how to seek all things in him. 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



41 



Besides these methods annexed to certain par- 
ticular times, there are others that may be used at 
all times. — Such are the reparation of honour, the 
act of consecration to the sacred Heart, commu- 
nions, visits to the blessed Sacrament, &c. Such 
again are the outward signs, the clients of this 
devotion wear about them, as Pictures, Medals 
and Scapulars ; such, in short, are the Beads, 
the Litanies and other prayers, consecrated to 
the hono-u? of this divine Heart. 

The Act of Consecration to the sacred Heart oj 
Jesus. 

0 most amiable Heart of my divine Redeemer ! 
considering thy infinite love for all men, and for 
me m particular, in view of the oppressing grief 
and other pains, thou hast endured for my sins ; 
in view of the most precious blood, thou hast been 
pleased to shed for my redemption ; in view of 
the excessive love, thou hast shown us in the in- 
stitution of the most blessed Sacrament of the 
Altar, and in view of those infinite perfections 
which make thee so amiable ; I, JV. JV. do this 
day consecrate myself to thee without reserve for 
all the remainder of my life. I consecrate to 
thee, my body, my soul, my thoughts, my desires, 
my words, my actions, and my sufferings ; desir- 
ing thereby to contribute to thy greater glory. 
3n particular, I consecrate to thee my heart, with 
all its motions, desiring it may love thee only, 
rejoice in thee only, and not breathe but for thee 
alone ; and however unworthy the offering be, 
thou canst not refuse it, since thou hast asked it 
of me. 

d 2 



42 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



Receive it then, 0 divine Heart of Jesus! 
purify it, sanctify it, and inflame it with thy most 
pure love, that it may not act but by the motion of 
thy love, nor suffer but for thy love ; grieve only 
that it loves thee so little; have its only joy in 
loving thee much ; desire nothing but the conti- 
nual increase of that love, and fear nothing but 
to let that holy love relent and be consumed in 
a word, make my heart like to thee, that by thee, 
and with thee, and like thee, it may eternally 
love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 
Amen. 

The Prayer of St. Gertrude, to the Heart of 
Jesus. 

Hail, O sacred Heart of Jesus ! living and 
quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasury 
of the divinity, burning furnace of divine love ! 
Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary ; O my 
amiable Saviour ! consume my heart with that 
burning fire with which thine is ever inflamed ; 
pour down on my soul those graces w T hich flow 
from thy love ; and let my heart be so united 
with thine, that our wills may be one, and mine, 
in all things, conformed to thine. May thine be 
the standard and rule equally of my desires, and 
of my actions. Amen. 

The Litany of the Sacred Heart. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



God, the Father of Heaven, 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God, the Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Heart of Jesus, 

Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the most bles- 
sed Virgin, 

Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united to the eternal 
word, 

Heart of Jesus, sanctuary of the Divinity, 
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the most Holy Trinity, 
Heart of Jesus, Temple of all sanctity, 
Heart of Jesus, Fountain of all graces, 
Heart of Jesus; most meek, 
Heart of Jesus, most humble, 
Heart of Jesus, most obedient, 
Heart of Jesus, furnace of love, 
Heart of Jesus, source of contrition, 
Heart of Jesus, treasure of wisdom, 
Heart of Jesus, ocean of bounty, f 
Heart of Jesus, throne of mercy, 
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, 
Heart of Jesus, sorrowful in the garden, 
Heart of Jesus, spent with a bloody sweat, 
Heart of Jesus, glutted with reproaches, 
Heart of Jesus, consumed for our sins, 
Heart of Jesus, made obedient even unto the death of 
the cross, 

Heart of Jesus, pierced through with a lance. 
Heart of Jesus, refuge of sinners, 
Heart of Jesus, fortitude of the just, 
Heart of Jesus, comfort of the afflicted, 
Heart of Jesus, main strength of the tempted. 
Heart of Jesus, terror of the devils, 
Heart of Jesus, sanctification of hearts, 
Heart of Jesus, perseverance of the good, 
Heart of Jesus, hope of the dying, 
Heart of Jesus, joy of the blessed, 
Heart of Jesus, the delight of all the saints, 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, 
us, O Jesus. 



44 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, bear 
us, O Jesus. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us, O Jesus. 

V* O most sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

R. That we may worthily love thee with our whole hearts. 

Let us pray. 

0 God, who out of thy immense love, hast 
given to the faithful the most Sacred Heart of thy 
dear Son, our Lord, as the object of their tender 
affections, grant, we beseech thee, that we may 
so love and honour this pledge of thy love on 
earth, that by it we may merit to love both thee 
and thy gift, and be eternally loved by thee, and 
this most blessed Heart in Heaven, through the 
same Jesus Christ our Lord, thy Son, who lives 
and reigns, with thee in the Unity of the Holy 
Ghost, one God world without end. Amen. 

0 sacred Heart of Jesus, overflowing with all 
sweetness ! to thee we recommend ourselves and 
all our concerns, our friends, benefactors, pa- 
rents, and relations ; our superiors, and enemies : 
take under thy protection this house, congrega- 
tion, and state ; extend thy care to all such as lie 
under any affliction, and to those who labour in 
the agony and pangs of death ; cast an eye of 
compassion on the obstinate sinner, particularly 
on the poor souls in Purgatory, as also on those 
who are engaged and linked with us in the holy 
confederacy of honouring and worshipping thee. 
Bless these in particular, 0 bountiful Heart, and 
bless them according to the extent of thy good- 
ness, mercy, and charity. Amen. 



jPragn for 8'ftitft. 

A lmiouty and Eternal God 
who savest all, and wilt have 
none to perish, have regard to 
the souls of those who are led 
•astray hy the deceits of the de- 
vil, that rejecting all errors, tbl 
= of those thai enr notoj bj 
r tcd, and may retprn t- 
,»„. unity of Thy truth, throogl 
Ci'.rM oar Lord. J//"'"- 

v Plenary Ituluhjw, may be obtained 



point of death, by any one who daily racltct t 
oatd prayer, on recoil in* the a* rainent* of I 
nance and the Kucha rial, or if thie be impnu 
.; i.v invoking tba IHM «'f -'eau* 



| 
1 





athoUe B< 



Haiti***' 



I 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



45 



Tlie Reparation of Honour to the sacred Heart, 
for the Feast, <$-c. 

O moot amiable and adorable Heart! centre 
of all hearts, glowing with charity, and \\\\\ lined 
with zeal for the' interest of thy Father, and the 
salvation of mankind : 0 Heart! ever sensible of 

our misery, and ever in motion to redress (Mil 
evils, the real victim of love in the holy Kucha- 
rist, and a propitiatory sacrifice for Bin on tbe 
altar of the cross : seeing that the generality of 
Christians make no other return for these thy 
mercies, than contempt of thy favours, forgetful- 

ness of their own obligation, and ingratitude to 

Ihc best of benefactors ; is il not ju>t that wrthy 

servants, penetrated with the deepest sense of 
these indignities, should enter upon a due and 
satisfactory reparation of li >nour to thy in *t 

sacred Majesty I Prostrate therefore in body, 

and humbled in mind, before heaven and earth, 

we solemnly declare our utter detestation and 
abhorrence of such a conduct Inexpressible, 
we know, was th • bitterness which the multitude 

of our sine brought on thy tender Heart; insuf- 
ferable the weight of our iniquities, which press* 1 
thy face to the earth in the ii ard»-n of < )liv«-s. and 
insurmountable thy anguish, when expiring with 
love, grief, and a^ony, on Mount Calvary; in 
thy last breath, thou wouldst reclaim sinners to 
their duty and repentance. — 'This we know, O 
dear Redeemer! and would most willingly redress 
these thy sufferings by our own, or share with 
thee in thi le. 



46 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



0 merciful Jesus ! ever present on our altars, 
and with a heart open to receive all who labour 
and are burdened! 0 adorable Heart, source 
of true contrition ! impart to our hearts the true 
spirit of penance, and to our eyes a fountain of 
tears, that we may bewail and wash off our sins 
and those of the world. Pardon, divine Jesus ! 
all the injuries, reproaches, and outrages done 
thee through the course of thy holy life and bitter 
passion. Pardon all the impieties, irreverences, 
and sacrileges, which have been committed 
against thee in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, 
from its first institution. Graciously receive the 
small tribute of our sincere repentance, as an 
agreeable offering in thy sight, and in requital for 
the benefits we daily receive from the altar, where 
thou art a living and continual sacrifice, and in 
union of that bloody Holocaust, thou didst present 
to thy Eternal Father on Mount Calvary from 
the Cross. 

Sweet Jesus! give thy blessing to the ardent 
desire we now entertain, and the holy resolution 
we have taken, of ever loving and adoring thee, 
after a proper manner, in thy Sacrament of Love, 
the Eucharist; thus to repair, by a true conver- 
sion of heart, and a becoming zeal for thy glory, 
our past negligences and infidelity. — Be thou, O 
adorable Heart ! who knowest the clay of which 
we are formed, be thou our mediator with thy 
heavenly Father, whom we have so grievously 
offended ; strengthen our weakness, confirm our 
resolution, and with thy chaiity, humility, meek- 
ness, and patience, cover the multitude of our 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



47 



iniquities ; be thou our support, our refuge, and 
our strength, that nothing henceforward in life or 
death may separate us from thee. Amen. 

The beads, or little rosary of the sacred Heart. 
" This little rosary consists of a small cross 
and thirty-eight beads, that is, five of a larger 
size, to remind us of the sacred wounds of our 
blessed Saviour, and thirty-three of a smaller 
form, answering to the number of years he spent 
on earth, in the great work of our redemption. 

" Range the whole thus : The cross stands 
in the front or first place ; then follow three of 
the smaller beads, between two larger ones : 
after which, are three tens or decades of small 
beads, each decade terminated with a large one." 

On the little Cross, 
0 Jesus ! give us thy Heart, as a pledge of 
thy love, and as a place of refuge, that we may 
find therein a secure repose during our life, and a 
sweet comfort at the hour of death. Amen. 

On the larger heads. 
Thee I adore, praise, and love, 0 sacred Heart 
of my dear Jesus ! Penetrated with grief, at the 
thought of so many offences which have been 
hitherto committed against thee, in the most holy 
Sacrament of the Altar, I offer up to thee, the 
most amiable Heart of thy most beloved Mother, 
with the merits of the Saints, in satisfaction 
thereof. Amen. 

On the smaller beads. 
0 sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with the 



48 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



love of us ! inflame our hearts with the love of 
thee. 

Jl prayer to the Eternal Father. 

0 Eternal Father! let me offer up unto thy 
mercy the sacred Heart of thy well beloved Son, 
even as he offered up himself a sacrifice to thy 
justice. Accept in my behalf, all the desires, 
sentiments, affections, motions, and all the ac- 
tions of this sacred Heart : they are mine, be- 
cause it was immolated for me ; they are mine, 
because for the future I am resolved to possess 
nothing but what is peculiar to it. Receive then 
the merits of this sacred Heart, in satisfaction for 
my sins, and in thanksgiving for the benefits con- 
ferred upon me. Receive them, 0 Lord ! as so 
many motives of granting thy servant those pecu- 
liar graces he stands in need of, but particularly 
the gift of final perseverance. Receive them, as 
so many acts of love, adoration, and praise, which 
I now offer to thy divine Majesty. This sacred 
Heart, this Heart only, can love, honour, and 
glorify thee, as thou deservest to be loved, ho- 
noured, and glorified. Amen. 

For the visits to the sacred Heart, 
" This is a most holy and beneficial practice. 
It is in these visits, that Jesus himself speaks to 
our hearts ; it is there he pours on us his most 
exquisite graces, enriches us with his true trea- 
sures, teaches us true science, the science of sal- 
vation, the science of saints. One single visit is suf- 
ficient to change a soul thoroughly and convert it. 
" It is a matt * ~ r just wonder f ^nt the nrinces 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



49 



of this world should every day be surrounded 
with a crowd of courtiers and attendants, whilst 
the King of Heaven, the Supreme Lord and 
Master of the world, who is so good as to abide 
in our Churches for the love of men, is there alone 
and unattended. 

" Go then to him, as to the best of fathers, the 
most generous of kings, the most liberal of mas- 
ters, and the most tender of friends, who ardently 
desires you should apply to him for favours, that 
he may have the pleasure to grant them. 

" In one of these visits, you may perform the 
reparation of honour as above ; in another, you 
may renew the act of consecration of yourself, 
and your solemn protestation to be eternally his ; 
in others, the different acts of love, adoration, 
atonement, thanksgiving, &c. 

11 When from want of leisure, you are hindered 
from remaining long with him, offer him your 
heart at least ; leave it as a deposite at the foot 
of the Cross ; unite it to the heart of that God of 
love, who resides on the altar, as on the throne of 
his mercies, to admit our adorati: i and distribute 
his grace." 

An invitation to a devout Soul to repair to the 
sacred Heart. 

" All the faithful adorers of Jesus are invited 
te repair in spirit every day, at nine o'clock in the 
morning, and four in the evening, to his divine 
Heart, in order to make, in common, some of the 
following aspirations 

O most meek Jesus ! make my heart accord- 
ing to thy Heart. 



50 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



O divine Heart, wounded for love of us ! let 
us ever be sensible of thy bounty, and let thy love 
ever plead in our favour. 

We adore thee, O Christ ! oppressed with 
grief in the garden, and even now despised by 
sacrilegious and ungrateful men, in the sacra- 
ment of thy love ; for thou alone art most holy, 
thou alone art the Lord, thou art the most high, 
O Jesus ! 

Blessed be the most adorable Heart of Jesus, 
my God, forever and ever. 

No love, no heart equals thine, most loving 
Jesus. 

0 ! may the adorable Heart be forever praised, 
and all thanks, both in time and eternity, be paid 
to it. 

0 adorable Heart of Jesus ! may'st thou be 
known, loved, and adored, throughout the whole; 
world. 

0 divine fire ! ever burning and never ceasing, 
raise my heart into a flame, that I may always 
love, and never cease from loving thee. 

A practice of devotion for a secular family, <fyc. 

This practice consists in an agreement of some 
pious and virtuous people, of whom one daily, at 
his convenience, visits the Heart of Jesus, as ever 
remaining in the holy Eucharist, and there in his 
own, and the names of the others, his associates, 
honours this sacred Heart by the recital of that 
act of virtue, as hereafter expressed, which in par- 
ticular has fallen to his lot or choice for that month. 
These acts of virtue, in general, are live : adora- 
tion, thanksgiving, atonement for sin, and petition. 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



51 



2. The number of devout persons composing 
it, may be greater or less, as occasions serve. 
Though only five are appointed, for the duty of 
reciting the five acts, yet this ought not to hinder 
every one from joining in the daily recital of the 
said acts. Even it is advisable they should ; each 
one, for example, choosing that particular act for 
himself, which his own devotion shall suggest. 

3. The five chosen by lot, engage themselves 
to recite daily, in the name of the whole associa- 
tion, the respective act which falls to their charge. 
They are, if we may call them so, public deputies 
or ambassadors to the throne of heaven, in order 
to obtain favours for the rest, and to draw down 
particular blessings upon each one of this asso- 
ciation. 

4. The choice of these five deputies, may be 
made in the following manner. Let there be as 
many billets, as there are persons, who are to 
draw for this honourable preferment : on five only 
of these shall be written the particular acts, which 
are to be said, as the Act of Adoration, the Act of 
Thanksgiving ', and so on. The other billets are 
blanks. The whole being mixed together, each 
draws one billet for himself. Those who draw 
the billets written upon, charge themselves with 
offering up, during the following month, to the sa- 
cred Heart, in the name of the rest, that act, which 
has fallen to his lot. 

A draught must be made for the absent, within 
any competent distance ; and if a lot, or one of the 
five on which an act is written, fall to any one of 
them, notice should be given to him immediately. 

6. This choice should be made twelve times a 



52 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



/ear, and the most proper time for it would be to- 
wards the end of each month. 

7. Every associate should have in his house or 
chamber, a picture of the sacred Heart. The 
advantage, amongst others, is this : should he be 
hindered from visiting the blessed Sacrament, he 
may before this picture, acquit himself of the 
obligation, he has voluntarily taken upon himself. 

8. The virtues of the greatest estimation, as 
most dear to the sacred Heart of Jesus, among 
the associates, must ever be Meekness and Hu- 
mility ; and the vices opposite to these, must be 
had in equal detestation. 

If then, devout Reader, this sacred Heart of 
Jesus, is really an object of your affections, as no 
doubt it ought to be, make up amongst those, with 
whom you live, your family, friends and domes- 
tics, a small association of this nature, and take 
my word for it, Almighty God will look with a 
propitious eye both on you, and this your assem- 
bly. 

The act of Adoration. 

Adorable Heart of Jesus ! hypostatically 
united to the eternal word, ever present in thu 
holy Eucharist, receive my homage and the tri- 
bute of adoration, which I here bring prostrate at 
the throne of thy glory. 

Mayest thou ever be reverenced and adored by 
all creatures ; may the raising of hands, bending of 
knees, prostrations of the body, practised in our 
devotions ; may the prayers, vows, and sacrifices 
of thy servants, be ever agreeable and acceptable 
to thee. May the Angels in Heaven ever adore 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



53 



thee, and may the hearts of all the faithful, es- 
pecially that of the most blessed Virgin, ever 
breathe out in thy honour a most sweet odour and 
perfume of love, esteem and respect. 

Sweet Jesus ! receive this act of Adoration. 
May it be acceptable in thy sight, from my hands 
and those of thy servants of this association, whom 
I particularly recommend to thee. Amen. 

The act of Thanksgiving, 
Most munificent Heart of Jesus! hypostati- 
cally united to the eternal word, ever present in 
the holy Eucharist, receive my homage and the 
tribute of thanksgiving, which I here offer, pros- 
trate at the throne of thy bounty. 

In the joy of my heart I return thee thanks for 
all thy favours. Ye creatures of God, brought 
forth from your nothing ; ye children of men, 
created, redeemed and sanctified ; praise and 
magnify your great benefactor : but chiefly thou, 

0 immaculate and most pure Virgin, preserved 
from all spot and blemish, enriched with the ful- 
ness of grace, exalted above the nine choirs of 
Angels, and next in dignity to the throne of God, 
extol, praise and glorify this munificent dispenser 
of all good gifts. — May thy holy name, O most 
bountiful God, be ever blessed ; may thou be 
ever praised ; and may thy bounty be ever glori- 
fied. 

Sweet Jesus ! receive these my thanks. May 
they be acceptable in thy sight, from my hands 
and those of thy servants of this association, whom 

1 particularly recommend to thee. Amen. 

e 2 



54 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



The act of Love. 

Most amiable Heart of Jesus ! hypostatically 
united to the eternal word, ever present in the 
holy Eucharist, receive my homage and the tri- 
bute of love, which I here offer, prostrate at the 
throne of thy charity. 

Be thou, 0 sacred Heart! ever obeyed and 
loved by all creatures, even as man is always 
cherished aud loved by thee. Thou hast settled 
thy affections upon him, and with him thou hast 
ever desired to dwell. O ! that I could love thee, 
as thou deservest, and as thou art loved by the 
Angels and Saints in Heaven, or at least with a 
love, if not corresponding to thy favours, equal 
however in some measure, to the greatness of the 
.obligation ! lie under! Ye Cherubim and Sera- 
phim, ye thrice happy citizens of the heavenly 
Jerusalem ! and principally thou, 0 most amiable 
Virgin Mother ! supply by thy love, whatever is 
wanting to mine. May thy goodness, 0 Jesus ! 
be ever praised, magnified and exalted : Mayest 
thou ever reign as King, Lord, and Sovereign 
over all hearts, and may thy amiable Heart draw 
all hearts to thee. 

Sweet Jesus ! receive this act of Love. May 
it be acceptable in thy sight, from my hand and 
those of thy servants of this association, whom I 
particularly recommend to thee. Amen. 

The act of Atonement for Sin. 
Most compassionate Heart of Jesus ! hyposta- 
tically united to the eternal word, ever present in 
the holy Eucharist, receive my homage and the 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



55 



tribute of atonement for sin, which I here offer, 
prostrate at the throne of thy justice. 

What have we hitherto been doing, 0 my God ! 
Thou hast bestowed on us most signal favours, 
even to the surprise of Heaven itself, and these 
without any merit on our part, even whilst we of- 
fended thee : and as thou lovest us beyond mea- 
sure, so without measure thou continually heapest 
thy blessings upon us. For all these, what return 
have we made? What ingratitude have we not 
shown 1 0 God of pity and compassion ! cast the 
eye of thy mercy on our present repentance ; or 
rather look not on us, look on the blessed spirits 
in thy heavenly court, and especially on the ever 
faithful Virgin ; look on thy devout servants, who 
always obey thy commands, hearken to thy in- 
spirations, and follow thy directions. These will 
intercede with thee in our behalf, plead our cause, 
and obtain pardon for our sins. These will keep 
us firm and unalterable in our present purposes 
and resolutions of loving and serving thee more 
fervently hereafter. 

Sweet Jesus ! receive this act of Atonement 
for sin. — May it be acceptable in thy sight, from 
my hands and those of thy servants of this associ- 
ation, whom I particularly recommend to thee. 
Amen. 

The act of petition. 
Most bountiful Heart of Jesus ! hypostatically 
united to the eternal word, ever present in the holy 
Eucharist, receive my homage and the tribute of 
prayer, which I here offer, prostrate at the throne 
of thy mercy. 



56 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



To whom, my God ! can I address my petition 
with equal confidence ? Thy care watched over 
me from all eternity ; in time, thy indulgence 
drew me out from my non-existence ; thy good- 
ness preserves me every moment of my life, and 
thy munificence supports, feeds, and nourishes 
me. But still, my Lord and Creator ! I am en- 
vironed with a world of enemies, who continually 
disturb the quiet and peace of my mind, and in- 
teriorly and exteriorly assault my weakness with 
violence. I am tempted to cry out a thousand 
times in the day : Save us, O Lord I ive parish. 
Open then a sanctuary, into which I may retire, a 
refuge, in which 1 may be covered against the at- 
tacks of my enemies ; a harbour, in which, after 
escaping from the tempestuous waves, I may re- 
pose. Thou hast granted the sacred Heart of 
Jesus unto us ; and in it thy servants have found 
all these advantages. The associates of the sa- 
cred Heart have a particular right and title to this 
holy and safe retreat ; give them then a distin-^ 
guished place in it. Thou, O Virgin Mother ! 
enforce my petition by thy powerful mediation. 

Sweet Jesus! receive this my prayer. May it 
be acceptable in thy sight, from my hands and from 
those of thy servants ;>f this association, whom I 
particularly recommend to thee. Amen. 

" The ensuing four and twenty acts of adoration 
to Jesus Christ in the blessed Sacrament, may be 
recited by way of reparation for all the offences 
committed against him by mankind/' 

1. Jesus, our Lord and our God, ever adorable ! 
0 ! that we could be present in all the churches 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



57 



throughout the universe, where thou art not adored 
as thou oughtest to be, and where thy inflamed 
love is not repaid with a gratitude worthy thy ma- 
jesty ! we fly at least in spirit, to these holy places 
now profaned, and offer on thy altars there, the 
fervent love and adoration of thy holy Mother, in 
compensation for the injuries ever done thee by 
the Jews, by heretics, and bad Christians. Eter- 
nal praise be to the ever blessed Sacrament of the 
Jlltar. 

2. 0 Jesus ! true Sun, that enlightens the 
Church, and raises into a flame the hearts of thy 
servants ! we adore thee, and to repair the sloth, 
indifference, and tepidity, of so many religious 
persons, who though favoured with the aspect of 
so burning a luminary, remain cold, insensible, 
and inanimate, we offer up to thee, all the inflamed 
desires of the Seraphim. Eternal praise j*8f>e. 

3. We adore thee, 0 eternal wisdom ! and to 
repair the gross ignorance which has caused us to 
offend thee, we offer up to thee all the knowledge 
of those most enlightened spirits the Cherubim. 
Eternal praise, fyc. 

4. We adore thee, 0 most meek and merciful 
God ! and to repair all the sins of anger, passion, 
and revenge, highly offensive in thy sight, we of- 
fer up to thee the peace, mildness, and tranquillity 
of the thrones. Eternal praise, fyc. 

5. We adore thee, 0 Sacrament of Love ! and 
to repair all the thoughts and criminal desires con- 
ceived even at the foot of thy altars, we offer up 
to thee all the pure affections and chaste desires 
of the Dominations. Eternal praise, fyc. 

6. VVe adore thee, 0 immaculate Lamb ! that 



58 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



takest away the sins of the world ! and to repair 
all the irreverences, gazing at dangerous ohjects 
and disrespectful postures during the time of holy 
Mass, we offer to thee the profound respect of the 
choir of Virtues. Eternal praise, fyc. 

7. We adore thee, 0 source and origin of all 
sanctity and innocence ! and to repair the abomi- 
nations committed by wicked priests, who con- 
secrate and receive thee in the state of mortal 
sin : we offer up to thee the profound adoration 
and holiness of the Powers. Eternal praise, <fyc. 

8. We adore thee, sovereign Lord of the uni- 
verse ! to whom all knees both in heaven and earth 
should bend, and all reverence be paid ; and in 
order to repair the many blasphemies against thy 
honour, we offer up to thee the praises and hom- 
age of the Principalities. Eternal praise, tyc. 

9. We adore thee, Saviour of the world ! to 
whom all fidelity and glory is due, and to repair 
the sacrilegious communions and treacheries of 
so many false consciences, we offer up to thee the 
fervent and faithful zeal of the Archangels. Eter- 
not praise, fyc. 

10. We adore thee, the delight of heaven and 
earth ! and to repair the neglect, indifference, and 
contempt mankind shows of that amorous invi- 
tation by which thou call est them to thy sweet 
embraces in the holy Eucharist, we offer up to 
thee the ready obedience, content and happiness 
of the Angels. Eternal praise, fyc. 

11. We adore thee, never failing bounty and 
goodness ! and to repair man's offensive diffi- 
dence in thy tender mercy, we offer up to thee the 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



59 



steadfast reliance and assurance of the holy Pa- 
triarchs in thy promises. Eternal praise, <£c. 

12. We adore thee, 0 amiable Jesus ! and re- 
vere the sacred mystery of the blessed Eucharist, 
revealed by thy divine word, taught by the Church, 
and proved by miracles ; and to repair the doubts 
men have had of thy real presence in the holy Sa- 
^crament, we offer up to thee the -due submission 
-shown by the Prophets to thy divine oracles. 
Eternal praise, fyc. 

- 13. We adore thee, most tender and most ami- 
able of all Fathers ! and to make reparation for 
the errors and infidelities of thy own children, we 
offer up to thee the faith of the Apostles. Eter- 
nal praise, (S*c. 

14. We adore thee, most loving Shepherd, pat- 
tern of true charity ! and to make reparation for 
the designs of revenge conceived in defiance of 
thy divine prohibitions, we offer up to thee the 
patience and prayers of the Martyrs in favour of 
their presecutors. Eternal praise, <fyc. 

15. We adore thee, inexhaustible fund of trea- 
sures ! and to make reparation for all the robbe- 
ries committed in thy churches, we offer up to thee 
the rich and bountiful donations of thy devout ser- 
vants. Eternal praise, 

16. We adore thee, 0 most watchful advocate! 
and to make reparation for the many negligences 
of those who haVe any authority in the Church to 
correct the abuses and irreverences there commit- 
ted against thee, we offer up to thee the exact at- 
tention and careful solicitude of holy Bishops and 
Prelates. Eternal praise, fyc. 

17. We adore thee, 0 God of infinite majesty! 



60 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



whom we can never sufficiently adore and iever~ 
ence ; and to make reparation for all the impiou- 
oaths pronounced against thee, we offer up to 
thee the pious discourses made in thy honour 
by the holy Doctors of the Church. Eterria' 
praise, fyc. 

18. We adore thee, most hidden and most 
humble Divinity ! and to make reparation for all 
the contests, disputes, punctilios of honour and 
scandal, by which thou hast been offended, we of- 
fer up to thee the humility of the holy Confessors'. 
Eternal praise, fyc, 

19. We adore thee, eternal Priest ! whose de- 
light is to offer sacrifice ! and to make reparation 
for the insults and affronts done to thy Priests, 
Religious, and Virgins, we offer up to thee thy 
own invincible patience, together with the true 
and fervent zeal of all good Priests and apos- 
tolic Preachers. Eternal praise, fyc. 

20. We adore thee, true bread of Angels ! and 
to make reparation for the sins committed against, 
thy command of abstinence, we offer up to thee 
the fasts and temperance of the holy Anchorets. 
Eternal praise, §c. 

21. We adore thee, 0 God of all purity ! and 
to make reparation for all the sins which have 
hitherto been committed against the virtue oi 
purity, we offer up to thee the modesty and pen 
ance of all holy religious men and women. Eler* 
nal praise, fyc. 

22. We adore thee, amiable spouse of our souls! 
and to make reparation for all the lukewarmness 
and indifference shown by many, particularly in 
time of holy Communion, we offer up to thee the 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



61 



raptures and ecstasies of holy Virgins. Eternal 
praise, $c. 

23. We adore thee, most worthy object of the 
love and affection of men and angels ! and to re- 
pair the profanations committed in thy churches 
by the effusion of so much innocent blood, as also 
to make some atonement for the poor and indigent 
manner thou art entertained there, we offer up to 
thee the piety of ail the blessed saints, and the dis- 
tress and want which thy persecuted servants 
were in. Eternal praise, <§-c. 

24. We adore thee, Son of the ever glorious 
Virgin ! and to make a general reparation, as 
much as lies in our power, for all the indignities 
thou hast suffered from men since the institution 
of this adorable mystery, we have recourse to thy 
holy Mother ; looking upon her, as under thee, 
the greatest and most secure refuge of sinners. — 
Eternal praise, fyc. 

0 Queen of heaven and earth ! hope of man- 
kind, who adore'st thy divine Son incessantly, we 
entreat thee, that since we have the honour to be 
of the number of thy children, thou wouldst in- 
terest thyself in our behalf, and make satisfaction 
for us, and in our name, to our eternal Judge, by 
rendering to him the duties we ourselves are in- 
capable of performing. Amen. 

" It would be advisable to recite over these 
acts every Thursday or Friday. Their number 
corresponds to the hours of the day and night. 
In each of these hours, the most amiable Heart 
of Jesus in the Eucharist is offended and insulted 
throughout the world. This recital of the above 
acts, is a reparation of honour we make for these 



62 



NOVENA TO THE 



offences : nor can it seem too much.- — However, 
jf on account of other occupations it should ap- 
pear so, fail not once a month at least, and particu 
larly on the feast of the sacred Heart, of acquit- 
ting yourself of this duty. You will let me, de- 
vout soul, recommend to your piety another most 
easy practice. You have perhaps a number of 
friends, and those equally engaged with you in 
this holy devotion. Take to yourself one of these 
acts, divide the others amongst your friends. Let 
each of them recite daily and offer up to God his 
respective adoration. Nothing can be more prac- 
ticable, nothing more agreeable to the amiable 
and offended Heart of your divine Saviour, or 
more satisfactory, for so many offences, daily 
committed against him." 

m 



A Wti ENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

" All who are impressed with an affectionate 
Iovf; fjr the adorable Heart of Jesus, and share 
in it * afflictions at the ingratitude of mankind, are 
invited to perform these nine days devotion ; in 
order to make some atonement. 1. For sins 
committed by their parents, relations and fami- 
lies. 2. For sins committed by the congregation 
of which they are members. 3. For their own 
particular sins, and neglects of those whom Pro- 
vidence has placed over them, in order to teach 
and conduct them in the way of salvation. It is 
also recommended to pious Christians to make 
this Novena frequently during the year ; in ordej 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



G3 



to make some atonement for the great ingratitude 
done to Jesus Christ in the blessed Eucharist." 

Kneeling before the blessed Sacrament, or a pic- 
fart of the sacred Heart of Jesus, endeavour to divest 
uou) soul of all worldly concerns; let your intention 
\e fixed on his inflamed Heart, and making the 
sign of the Cross, say the following prayer, 

O sacred Heart of my dear Redeemer ! I adore 
thee with all the powers of my soul ! I consecrate 
them forever to thee with each of my thoughts, 
words, actions, and my whole being. I offer to 
thee, O Divine Heart ! all those acts of adora- 
tion, love and glory, which thou didst render to thy 
Eternal Father, whilst in this mortal life. — Be 
thou the repairer of my deficiencies, the protec- 
tor of my life, my refuge and security at the hour 
of my death. Grant me through the merits of that 
anguish and bitterness ; which for me, thou hast 
suffered through the whole course of thy mortal 
file, a perfect contrition for my sins ; grant me a 
constant disgust of all worldly allurements, an 
ardent desire of eternal glory, and a lively hope of 
partaking of thy infinite merits. 

0 most amorous Heart of Jesus ! I present to 
thee, these my humble supplications, not for my- 
self only, but for all those whom I earnestly re- 
commend to thee in this Ncvena. 

It is my ardent wish, 0 my dearest Lord ! that 
all may join me in spirit to serve and obey thee. 
Accept these my humble petitions, and graciously 
grant my request, through thy infinite mercy. 
Impress us, O Lord ! with due sentiments of gra- 
titude for the beneficent tenderness of thy divine 



64 



NO VENA TO THE 



heart to us forlorn sinners ; receive us in the yet 
gaping wound of that loving Heart, that in it we 
may admire thy divine attributes, practise thy 
heavenly virtues; find the effect of thy sacred pas- 
sion, and our poor afflicted souls be thereby en- 
couraged to shelter themselves within thy sacred 
wounds. 

An Act of Reparation of Honour. 

O Heart of Jesus ! Infinitely merciful, ever 
desirous to communicate thy divine love to our 
cold hearts, whose delight is to remain forever 
with the children of men ; for this reason, O 
amiable Redeemer ! thou hast instituted a pecu- 
liar sacrament of love, in which we might find 
the treasure and source of all heavenly blessings, 
through which we might enter into the sanctuary 
of thy inflamed Heart, and there meet with secure 
repose in life ; and sweet comfort in death. With 
these most bountiful dispositions, thou hast vouch- 
safed to visit this very house, in which I dwell, 
to repose on our altars, to be our constant sacri- 
fice, in order to avert the anger of thy Eternal 
Father, excited by our repeated sins. Hither 
thou continually invitest us to come, and partake 
of this heavenly food, which none but an infinite 
love could have prepared. What is there thou 
couldst have done to gain the hearts of thy people, 
and hast not done ? But how insensible, 0 bounti- 
ful Redeemer! have we been, of those great 
blessings and favours ! In our houses we have 
showed irreverence, disrespect, and even con- 
tempt before thy Divine Majesty, in whose pre- 
sence the saints and angels bend with respect, and 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



65 



the heavens themselves tremble. Whilst offered 
on our altars, the same offences, the same indigni- 
ties and ingratitudes are committed by those very 
people who have often been fed at thy sacred 
table, nourished with thy own substance, and on 
whom thou hast placed the love of thy Heart. 

0 amiable Heart of my dearest Saviour! who 
can express thy affliction at the sight of such in- 
gratitude? But how long, sweet Jesus ! will thy 
adorable Heart be thus despised and contemned 
by wicked man ? how long wilt thou permit thy- 
self to be betrayed into the hands of thy mortal 
enemies ? how long wilt thou suffer their scorn 
and contempt of thy Majesty, in the adorable Sa- 
crament of the altar ! Sorely afflicted at the 
thought of these injustices and sacrileges, I cast 
myself with all humility at the throne of thy 
mercy ; graciously hear, sweet Jesus ! the worst 
of thy servants, who in his own, and in behalf of 
his family, his relations, the whole congregation, 
here presents to thee, thy own adorable Heart, in- 
flamed with love for thy persecutors, and praying 
for thy enemies ; Father! forgive them, for theij 
know not what they do. 

Most merciful Heart of Jesus ! propitiously 
hear the uninterrupted supplications of thy saints 
and angels, of thy holy martyrs, and confessors, 
in atonement for these repeated insults and in- 
juries, while in satisfaction for the same, I offer 
the following tribute of reparation on my own and 
their part. Here say any five acts, you please, of 
the four and twenty, beginning page 56. 

f 2 



66 



NOVENA TO THE 



An Oblation of the sacred Heart and sufferings of 
Jesus Christ to his eternal Father, in satisfac- 
tion for offences committed. 
Almighty and eternal Father ! permit me to 
offer thee the sacred Heart of thy dearest Son, in- 
flamed with the love of thee, and wounded with 
love of us. Receive, 0 merciful Father! this 
divine heart pleading for us, through that ready 
obedience to thy holy will, by which he subjected 
himself on earth to all our miseries, pains and af- 
flictions. Receive, in satisfaction for our sins, 
that love of his sacred Heart, which caused him 
to undergo for us that cruel flagellation at the 
pillory, and that tormenting crown of thorns. 
Receive that divine Heart, which through love of 
us, embraced the heavy cross, and bore its weight 
to mount Calvary. Receive, 0 eternal Father ! 
that most inflamed and humble Heart of Jesus, 
which through love of us, laid itself on the hard 
wood of the cross, and offered its sacred hands 
and feet to cruel executioners, to be transpierced 
with iron nails. Behold, O eternal Father ! this 
sacrifice of love, offered to thee for us poor sin- 
ners, in the Heart of thy dear Son. It is wound- 
ed, it bleeds, it expires through the infinite love 
it has for us. My God ! If we have offended thee, 
will not the sight of this Heart suffice to appease 
thy anger ? Receive it, O merciful Father ! in 
atonement for our many offences ; it is most 
worthy of thy love and everlasting complacency. 
Amen. 

Then conclude the Novena by the following Prayer. 
Most amiable Heart of Jesus ! beloved ob- 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



67 



ject of our most lender affections ! may all honour, 
glory, love and benediction, be ever given to thee. 
Be thou our comfort in adversity, our guide in 
prosperity, our safety in dangers, and protection 
against all our enemies, visible and invisible. 
Amen. 

A meditation, which may be used on the feast of 
the sacred Heart, and during these nine days 
Devotion. 

FIRST POINT. 

The Invitation of Jesus Christ. 

Imagine our blessed Lord before you, disclos- 
ing his sacred Heart and asking yours. Son give 
me thy heart, that heart, which thou hast sullied, 
and infected with so much filth, which thou hast 
sacrilegiously prostituted to a thousand lovers ; 
yet that same heart I am ready to receive, if thou 
art willing to give it wholly up into my hands, 
without reserve or limitation. Give it to me, I 
have formed it with my own hands, I have re- 
deemed it with my blood ; give it to me, thy Father, 
thy Creator, thy Redeemer, thy Spouse, the best 
of thy friends, who has loved thee from all eternity. 
Had I done as much for Lucifer himself, as I have 
done for thee, would he not love inc. with all his 
heart? Were I to make the same offers as I do to 
thee, to the worst of all the damned souls, would 
it not most ardently thank me? would it not 
devote itself, forever, to my service 1 Thou art 
willing, thou sayest, to give me half of thy heart ? 
0 ingratitude ! is it thus thou requitest the favours 



68 



NOVENA TO THE 



of thy God ? and to whom wilt thou give the other 
half? who deserves it more than I J did I form 
but half ? did I redeem, did I sanctify only half ? 
What a crying injustice to detain half of my pro- 
perty, in order to give it to my enemy ! what a 
sacrilege, to keep back half of my victim, in order 
to immolate it, to the vilest of all creatures, the 
Devil ! Alas ! Christian soul ! have I thus dealt 
with thee ? have I given thee but half my heart? 
As often as thou hast received holy Communion, 
so often have I given thee my whole body, my 
whole soul, all my blood, my whole heart, all my 
merits, all my labours, and sufferings, all my hu- 
manity and divinity. Therefore I refuse the 
wretched offer thou makest me. If thou wilt 
not give me thy whole heart, go — give it to thy 
enemy and mine ; I can admit of no division ; 
give me all or nothing. 

SECOND POINT. 

Reflect on the amiable Invitation of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven, and earth, 
calls for my heart. What an honour to me ! This 
heart within my breast, belongs to him by all titles 
possible ; it is his right and property, and yet he 
asks it as a favour. His intention is, to ease it 
of all its sadness, to heal it of all its pain and 
miseries, to defend it against its enemies, to wash 
it with his sacred blood, to adorn it with the 
treasures of heaven, to repose it in the hands of 
his blessed Mother, that she may guard, and keep 
it, as the object of his love, as the precious con- 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



69 



quest of his sacred blood, and cruel torments. 
— Such, 0 my soul, is the intention of my kind 
Redeemer. He demands my heart ; I have re- 
fused it to him these ten, twenty, thirty, forty 
years ; and yet he still pursues me, he is still ready 
to receive me with open arms : he even presses 
me to surrender myself to his love. 0 my soul ! 
how can we any longer stand out against so much 
goodness and mercy ? 

For me to say, I love God, will not do ; I must 
prove it, by a thorough change of life. Love con- 
sists not in words, sighs, or tears, but in prefer- 
ring the will of God at all times, and in all places, 
to my own will. The love of God is a love of 
preference, which in its perfection, excludes the 
smallest attachment to any created object. My 
fortune, my possession, my children, every thing 
dear to me in this life, must be sacrificed, and left 
at the command and will of God. Oh my soul ! 
is this my disposition ? Does God discover my 
heart to be actuated by this happy love of prefer- 
ence. This, however, must be the case, before I 
can answer the invitation of Jesus Christ. I can- 
not serve two masters, and my dear Redeemer 
will not accept of a divided heart. — 0 happy 
state ! where God alone is possessed ! where the 
affections of my heart centre in him, who excludes 
all worldly pains, miseries, deceits, and lies — all 
this, my soul, we can find in the sacred Heart of 
our dear Redeemer, if we answer his invitation — 
TV hat peace, what happiness will ensue in this life, 
and what for the next ! 



70 



NOVENA TO THE 



THIRD POINT. 

Consider the answer you are to make to the Invi 
tation of Jesus Christ. 

Will it be my wish at the hour of death, that 1 

had heartily agreed to this Invitation of Jesus 
Christ ? that I had made myself partaker of all 
those virtues, which are contained in the inflamed 
Heart of my divine and loving Saviour ? Shall I 
wish at that time to possess the love of God above 
all created things ? The Heart of Jesus, wounded 
for the love of me, tells me, how to despise all the 
vain perishable deceits of this world, to gain the 
love of my God and Creator. This Heart is 
wounded for my sake! Is it too much for me to 
bear with a contradiction ; to suffer patiently a 
wound in my reputation ; to root out the disor- 
dinate affections of my wicked heart to vain plea- 
sures, deceitful flatteries, idle amusements and 
conversations ; that I may thereby secure the love 
of my God, through the wounded Heart of my 
dear Redeemer ? — What was the comfort of the 
saints and martyrs of Christ, in their sufferings 
and persecutions i was it not the inflamed Heart 
of their dearest Saviour, which had been con 
turned in love for them, and which inspired them 
with resolutions, not to be enslaved, either by the 
world, the flesh, or the devil ? — Have these saints 
done too much, in order to enter into that sanc- 
tuary of eternal love? If Jesus Christ demanded 
as much from me, could I refuse it? But behold ! 
he demands nothing, but the sole possession of my 
heart, the entire affections of my soul, that he may 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



71 



communicate to me, the treasures of heaven, and 
fill me with all peace, comfort, and happiness. 

All praise and benediction be given to the ador- 
able Heart of my dear Redeemer, which has call- 
ed me to the knowledge of itself, in order to make 
me partaker of its divine merits, and perfections. 
I will enter into its sanctuary, I will exercise the 
powers of my soul, in its divine love. O my dear 
Lord ! pierce my heart with the dart of thy heaven- 
ly love, that I may be wholly actuated by the love 
of thee, who hast been pleased to die through love 
of me. Amen. St. Augustin. 

The Rides of the association of the sacred Heart. 

1. The end of this association, is, with the grace 
of God, to revive continually and nourish in our 
souls, the love of Jesus Christ, excited by the ex- 
cess of his love for us. The heart, in general, is 
the most expressive symbol and incentive of love ; 
that of Jesus Christ in particular, as under our 
present consideration, naturally calls back to our 
memory his boundless charity, and animates us, 
as much as may be, to a fixed resolution and de- 
sire of repairing the outrages committed daily 
against him in the adorable Sacrament of the altar. 

2. For your becoming a member of this asso- 
ciation, it is required that your name be registered 
in the book, where the association is kept, and 
that you go to Communion, on the day of your 
admission, in order to gain the plenary indulgence 
granted on that solemn occasion, and to take up 
the spirit of this devotion, by consecrating your- 
self solemnly to this divine Heart. 

3. The associates should be particularly careful 



72 



NOVENA TO THE 



and studious, in frequently uniting themselves ii 
mind, with the sacred Heart of Jesus, by means 
of repeated acts of Faith, Hope, Charity, Contri 
Hon, fyc, 

4. Let no day pass, without some offering o 
prayer, in honour of this adorable HearJ. One o> 
the following acts, as a token of your allegiance, 
and the distinctive mark of the association, ough 
never be neglected. 

" Adorable Heart of my Jesus ! living sourc< 
of all grace, and model of perfection, sanctify 
every moment of my life, and especially that o 
my death. 

" Heart of Jesus ! have mercy on us. 

" Heart of Jesus ! burning with the love of us 
inflame our hearts with the love of thee. 

" May the adorable Heart of Jesus live, and 
reign over all hearts. 

" Heart of Jesus infinitely pure ! grant us puri- 
ty of body and heart." 

5. Every Friday, but in particular the first Fri- 
day of each month, should be set aside, and ap- 
propriated by the associates as a day of humiliation 
and atonement to Jesus Christ, for the injuiie 
and indignities whatsoever received by him, in 
the adorable Eucharist. Some particular acts ol 
devotion, as the reparation of honour, the litany, 
or what else your own piety may suggest ; som< 
small sacrifice of your humour, victory over you 
passions, or mortification, may very deserved lj 
be recommended ; some self-denial, or alms maj 
be proper on such an occasion. 

6. All should, if they can conveniently do it, 
approach the holy sacraments of Penance, anc 



SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 



73 



the Eucharist, on the feast of the sacred Heart. 
On this solemn festival, beyond the ordinary pray- 
ers on such occasions, each one should repeat 
with new fervour, the act of consecration to the 
divine Heart, the reparation of honour, &c. 

7. Besides the above mentioned Communion, 
two Communions in particular shall be yearly ob- 
served ; the one in behalf of the living members 
of this association, the other for the relief of the 
deceased brethren ; and in their other prayers and 
devotions, they should often remember, and re- 
commend to God both this, and the other associa- 
tions of the sacred Heart, and endeavour all they 
can, to draw on each one a large share of those 
blessings, and graces, which flow continually from 
this adorable Heart. 

8. Finally, let every one of this association, 
make it his chief business and endeavour, to draw 
from the sacred Heart of Jesus, a most reveren- 
i'al and tender affection towards our dear Lord 
and Saviour in the holy Eucharist, an efficacious 
desire of his own proper sanctification, and a well 
governed zeal and solicitude for that of his neigh- 
bour, united with him in the same devotion, and 
under the same bonds and rules of charity ; pro- 
moting according to his power, but with prudence 
and discernment, the same holy practices, to the 
greater glory of the sacred and adorable Heart of 
Jesus Christ, inflamed with an ardent zeal for the 
honour of his eternal Father, and the salvation of 
mankind. 

" Though the above rules a'nd regulations 
oblige not of their own nature under any sin 
whatever, yet the associates, we persuade our- 

G 



74 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



selves, will not on that account be less exact in 
the performance of what the rules prescribe, or 
less faithful in their purposes entered upon be- 
tween God and their own. consciences." 

May the sacred Heart of Jesus be ever praised 
and adored. 



THE DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF 
MARY. 

As the adorable Heart of Jesus was formed in 
the chaste womb of the blessed Virgin, and of 
her blood and substance, so we cannot in a more 
proper and agreeable manner show our devotion 
to the Sacred Heart of the Son, than by directing 
some part of the said devotion to the ever pure 
Heart of the Mother. — For you have two hearts 
here united in the most strict alliance and ten- 
der conformity of sentiments ; so that it is not 
in nature, to please the one without making your- 
self agreeable to the other, and acceptable to 
both. Go then, devout client, go to the Heart of 
Jesus, but let your way be through the Heart of 
Mary. The sword of grief which pierced her 
soul, opens you a passage : enter by the wound 
love has made ; advance to the Heart of Jesus, 
and rest there even till death itself. Presume 
not to separate and divide two objects so inti- 
mately united together ; but ask redress in all 
your exigencies from the Heart of Jesus, and ask 
this redress through the Heart of Mary. 

This form and method of worship is the doc- 



SACRED HEART OF MARY. 



75 



trine and very spirit of God's church : it is what 
she teaches us in the unanimous voice and prac- 
tice of the faithful, who will, by no means, that 
Jesus and Mary should be separated from each 
other in your prayers, praises and affections. 
This consideration has engaged the sovereign 
Pontiffs and head Pastors of the Church, to give 
the self-same sanction to the pious practices in- 
stituted in honour of the sacred heart of Mary, as 
they give to those of the adorable Heart of Jesus, 
both within their proper limits. They both have 
equally their associations, and those too equally 
enriched with the treasures of the Church, under 
the liberal dispensation of its Governors. Many 
are the pious and virtuous souls who have drawn 
most signal fruit and advantages from these 
devotions. 

Come then, hardened and inveterate sinner, 
how great soever your crimes may be ! come 
and behold ! Mary stretches out her hand, opens 
her breast to receive you. Though insensible to 
the great concern of your salvation, though un- 
fortunately proof against the most engaging invi- 
tations and aspirations of the Holy Ghost, fling 
yourself at the feet of this powerful advocate, 
tier throne, though so exalted, has nothing for- 
bidding, nothing dreadful ! her Heart is all love, 
all tenderness. If you have the least remains of 
confidence and reliance on her protection, doubt 
not, she will carry you through her own most 
^d Heart, in the most speedy, and most fa- 
ble manner, to the truly merciful and sacred 
Heart of her Son Jesus. 



76 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



TJie Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of 
JWary. 

0 holy Mother of God, glorious queen of 
heaven and earth ! I choose thee this day for 
my Mother, and my advocate at the throne of thy 
divine Son. Accept the offering I here make of 
my heart. May it be irrevocable. It never can 
be out of danger whilst at my disposal ; never 
secure but in thy hands. 

Ye choirs of Angels, witnesses of my obla- 
tion ! bear me up in the day of Judgment, and 
next to Jesus and Mary, be ye propitious to me, 
should the enemy of my salvation have any claim 
upon me. Obtain for me at present the gift of a 
true repentance and those graces I may after- 
wards stand in need of, for the gaining of life 
everlasting. Amen. 

N. B. This feast has no fixed day. It is so- 
lemnized in some churches with the approbation 
of the Ordinary, on the 8th of February ; in 
others, on the 1st of June, and in some churches, 
on the Sunday within the Octave of the Assump- 
tion. 



The Litany. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us 



SACRED HEART OF MARY. 



77 



God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 
Heart of Mary, pray for us. 

Heart of Mary, according to the Heart of Jesus, pray for 
us. 

Heart of Mary, united to the Heart of Jesus, pray for us. 
Heart of Mary, organ of the Holy Ghost, 
Heart of Mary, sanctuary of the divinity, 
Heart of Mary, tabernacle of a God incarnate, 
Heart of Mary, always exempt from sin, 
Heart of Mary, always full of grace, 
Heart of Mary, blessed amongst all hearts, 
Heart of Mary, illustrious throne of glory, 
Heart of Mary, abyss and prodigy of humility, I 
Heart of Mary, glorious holocaust of divine love, 
Heart of Mary, nailed to the cross of Jesus, 
Heart of Mary, comfort of the afflicted, 
Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners, 
Heart of Mary, hope of the agonizing, 
Heart of Mary, seat of mercy, J 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the worldj spare 
us, O Jjord ! 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, hear 
us, O Lord ! 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God ! 

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 



Let us pray. 

Sweet Jesus ! who tenderly lovest the most holy of Vir- 
gins, and art reciprocally most tenderly loved by her, grant, 
-ve beseech thee, through the intercession of thy most holy 
tMother, and by the resemblance her most holv heart bore 
iO thine, that we may ever return due love and affection for 
her care and tenderness in our regard, who with the Father 
and Holy Ghost livest and reignest, world without end. 
Amen. 

G 2 



78 



THE DEMOTION TO THE 



A NOVENA, OR NINE DAYS' DEVOTION TO THE 
EVER BLESSED VIRGIN. 

" Having out of devotion lighted up a wax 
candle, either in your private Oratory, or in the 
Church, recite each day the following prayer. 
The intent is for obtaining some particular fa- 
vour." 

Incomparable Virgin, chosen by the ever 
adorable Trinity, from all eternity, to be the most 
pure Mother of Jesus, allow thy servant to re- 
mind thee of that ineffable joy thou receivedst in 
the instant of the most sacred incarnation of our 
divine Lord, and during the nine months thou 
carriedst him in thy most chaste bowels. Oh ! 
that I could but renew, or, if possible, increase 
this thy joy by the fervour of my prayers ; at 
least, most tender Mother of the afflicted ! grant 
me under the present pressure, those maternal 
consolations, and that peculiar protection, thou 
hast promised to such as shall devoutly comme- 
morate this ineffable joy. Relying on thy sacred 
word and trusting in thy promise, I humbly en- 
treat thee to obtain from Jesus Christ, thy dearly 
beloved Son, my request. Having specified it, 
say : May this light I burn before thy image, 
stand as a memorial of the lively confidence I 
repose in thy bounty. May it consume in ho- 
nour of that inflamed and supernatural love and 
joy, with which thy sacred heart was replenished 
during the abode of thy blessed Son in thy womb, 
in veneration of which I offer to thee the senti- 
ments of my heart, and the following salutations. 



SACRED HEART OF MARY. 79 

" Say nine times the Hail Mary, and then the 
following prayer " 

Mother of my God most merciful ! to thee I 
offer these Hail Maries : they are so many bril- 
liant jewels in the diadem of thy accidental glory, 
which will remain increasing to the end of the 
world. I beseech thee, comfort of the afflicted ! 
by the joy thou receivedst in the submission and 
obedience of thy Son, to comfort my afflicted 
heart, and to obtain of him for me a favourable 
answer to the petition I make to thy compassion- 
ate mercy and benevolence. To this effect I 
offer to thee all the good works that have ever 
been performed in the confraternities of thy sa- 
cred heart, and other associations in thy honour. 
I most humbly entreat thee on this consideration, 
and for the love of the sacred Heart of Jesus, 
with which thy own was ever so inflamed, to hear 
my humble suit, and grant my request. Amen. 

The Reparation of Honour. 
Mother of God, most worthy ! whose sanc- 
tity and sublime merit surpass the comprehension 
even of the angels themselves, how great is the 
maternal tenderness of thy Heart towards man- 
kind ! How great thy favours ! How unworthy 
our acknowledgment, our gratitude, our return ! 
My very soul is penetrated with grief at the con- 
sideration of the many injuries thou receivest 
Tom Infidels and wicked Christians, by the pro- 
fanation of the altars dedicated to thy name, by 
he execrable blasphemies vomited out against 
hy maternal virginity, sanctity and integrity, but 
specially at the anguish with which those sin- 



80 



THE DEVOTION TO THE 



ners load thee, who heaping sin upon sin against 
thy divine Son, draw down vengeance and dam- 
nation on their own souls ; all which stand in di- 
rect opposition to thy tender love and compassion. 
Thus affected, and upon this consideration, I 
throw myself at thy sacred feet, and though the 
greatest of sinners, most unworthy, and least cor- 
responding with the graces I have received, I 
here enter my protest against such unwarrantable 
proceedings, and beseech thee, 0 Virgin more 
than martyr ! to accept the same, as a reparation 
of honour. Pardon my past offences and indig- 
nities, pardon those of mankind. Prostrate in 
like manner before thee, make us, sinners as we 
are, sensible of the favours thou hast conferred 
upon us, and being truly contrite for the past, 
may we, by thy aid and assistance, breaking the 
chains of our former thraldom and slavery, live 
henceforward in thy favour, and in the happy 
liberty of the children of God. May this our act 
and deed, 0 Saviour of the world ! as we can do 
nothing more agreeable to thee, than to testify 
our love and gratitude to thy blessed mother, may 
it, I say, be approved and confirmed by thy bless- 
ing and authority. Amen. 



THE SINNER'S ADDRESS TO OUR BLESSED 
LADY, 

It is to thee, holy Virgin ! I have recourse, 
however unworthy of thy goodness. I know 
thou never abandonest those, who call upon thee 
with confidence, and that the Church does not 



SACRED HEART OF MARY. 



81 



call thee in vain the refuge of sinners. This in 
truth, is the only title under which I dare ap- 
proach to thee : and shall I be so unfortunate, as 
to be the first and only one that thou wilt refuse 
to hear. 

I fear thou wilt find in me none of those ami- 
able marks, by which thou recognisest thy true 
children. Subject to a passion, which dishonours 
my soul, I come humbly to beg thy help, in order 
to break my chains. 

Made sensible of the beauty ojf a virtue I have 
hitherto neglected,! desire absolutely to quit a vice, 
which has hitherto pleased me too much, though 
so highly shameful. Blessed Yirgin ! obtain for 
me the grace to renounce the vice I have fol- 
lowed, and to embrace the virtue I have neglect- 
ed. Make my eyes flow with tears, that may 
efface all the impurities of my life. 0 mother of 
mercy, renew in me those prodigies of conver- 
sions, which thou hast formerly wrought, and 
appear now so seldom in our age, so corrupted. 
The more miserable I am, the more proper object 
I am of thy compassion ! nor can any thing less 
than a miracle free me from this shameful pas- 
sion. This miracle, 0 sacred Yirgin ! I beg of 
thee by that purity, which made thee so agreeable 
to God, and which drew upon thee the honour of 
being the Mother of his Son. Let not the price 
of that blood, which thou gavest to the Saviour of 
men, be lost ; refuse not to thyself, the pleasure 
of reducing a strayed sheep to that heavenly 
shepherd. Show that thou art truly the mother 
of sinners, and let it not be said, that I perished 



82 



THE LITANY OP JESUS. 



at thy sacred feet, where no one ever found, but 
grace and salvation. 

" Many pious books recommend the following 
prayer as very efficacious for obtaining purity of 
heart." 

By thy sacred virginity and immacukte con- 
ception, 0 most pure Virgin ! intercede for me, 
obtain for me a true purity of soul and bod/, in 
the name of the Father, &c. 



OTHER PIOUS PRACTICES AND DEVO'JT 
PRAYERS. 

The Litany of Jesus. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 
God the Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, one God, 
Jesus, Son of the living God, 
Jesus, splendour of the Father, 
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, 
Jesus, king of glory, 
Jesus, the son of justice, 
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, 
Jesus, whose name is called wonderful, 
Jesus, the mighty God, 
Jesus, the Father of the world to come, 
Jesus, the Angel of the great council, 
Jesus, most powerful, 
Jesus, most patient, 
Jesus, most obedient, 
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, 
Jesus, lover of chastity 
Jesus, our love, 




THE LITANY OF JESUS. 



83 



Jesus, the God of peace, 
Jesus, the author of life, 
Jesus, the example of all virtues, 
Jesus, the zealous lover of souls, 
Jesus, our God, 
Jesus, the father of the poor, 
Jesus, the treasure of the faithful, 
Jesus, the good shepherd, 
Jesus, the true light, 
Jesus, the eternal wisdom, 
Jesus, infinite goodness, 
Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, 
Jesus, the joy of the angels, 
Jesus, the king of the Patriarchs, 
Jesus, the inspirer of prophets, 
Jesus, the master of the apostles, 
Jesus, the teacher of the evangelists, 
Jesus, the strength of martyrs, 
Jesus, the light of confessors, 
Jesus, the spouse of virgins, 
Jesus, the crown of all saints, 
Be merciful to us. Spare us, O Lord. 
Be merciful to us. Hear us, O Lord. 
From all evil, 
From all sin, 
From thy wrath, 
From the snares of the devil, 
From the spirit of uncleanness, 
From everlasting death, 
^rom a neglect of thy holy inspirations, 
Through the mystery of thy most holy incarnation, 
Through thy nativity, 
Through thy divine infancy, 
Through thy sacred life, 
Through thy labours and travels, 
Through thy agony and bloody sweat, 
Through thy cross and passion, 
Through thy pains and torments, 
Through thy death and burial, 
Through thy glorious resurrection, 

Through thy admirable ascension, Lord Jesus, deliver us„ 
Through thy joys and glory, Lord Jesus, deliver us. 



84 



DEVOUT PRAYERS. 



In the day of judgment, Lord Jesus, deliver us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare 
us, O Lord Jesus. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, hear 
us, O Lord Jesus. 

"Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us, O Lord Jesus. 

V. Christ Jesus, hear us. 

R. Christ Jesus, graciously hear us. 

Let us pray. 

O God ! who hast appointed thy only begotten Son the 
Saviour of mankind, and hast commanded that he should be 
called Jesus ; mercifully grant that we may enjoy his happy 
vision in heaven, whose holy name we venerate upon earth, 
who with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth world 
without end. 

The versicle and prayer of the blessed Sacrament. 

V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. 
R. Replenished with all sweetness and delight. 

Let us pray. 

O God ! who has left us in this wonderful sacrament, a 
perpetual memorial of thy passion : grant, we beseech thee, 
so to reverence the sacred mysteries of thy body and blood, 
that we may continually find in our souls the fruit of thj 
redemption, who livest and reignest, &c. 

The versicle and prayer for Thanksgiving. 
V. Let us bless the Father, with the Son and Holy Ghost. 
R. Let us praise and extol him forever. 

Let us pray. 

O God ! whose mercies are without number, and the trea- 
sure of whose goodness is infinite : we give thee thanks for the 
blessings thou hast bestowed upon us ; always beseeching thy 
divine majesty, that as thou grantest what we now ask, thou 
wouldst prepare us by a continuation of thy favours, to receive 
the rewards of the life to come, through our Lord, &c. 



A devout prayer to Je .;; 

Lord Jesus ! by thai, bitterness thou sufliKedst for me on 
the Cros«, chiefly when thy blessed soul departed from thy 
body, have mercy on my &oul now, and at it» departure 
from this world, that it may be admitted to life everlasting. 

A praijrr in honour of the'jue wounds* 

0 Lord Jesus Christ! by the five Wounds thou wast 
pleased to receive upon the Cross, ibr love 01 me, help me thy 
servant, whom thotsfhast redeemed wjth thy precious blood. 



A PLAYER OF COMPACT. . 

I y .said by the Confederals to Ckvisl 
0UeiJied ; tliat is, bu two or mare persons joined 
in Compact* to meditate at hast once a day o<i the 
sufferings of Jesus 'Christ, This prayer is axiily 
said for one another hy eack o f the associates, and 
aught to follow their meditation on the suffer inirs 

The prayer. 
Tax hands, Q Lord ! have made *us, those 
very Lunch which were transpierced with nails, • 
for the love of us. — Despise not the work of thy I 
hands, but cast, I beseech thee, O my God I thy 
divine eyes, on 'the sacred wounds of thine own 
hands. Bchoki my dearest Jesus ! how deeply 
thou hast imprinted us in thy blessed hands, read, 
the impression and save us. Hear us, O boun- 
tiful Saviour : rude us within thy sacred wounds : 
never permit us to be separated from thee ^ call 



us at the hour of death; %it with thy saints, we 
may sing thy mercies former aa&tf ever iftotfc. 
A men. . * 
, My dear Lord Jesus. Christ ! through these 
five most precious wounds, which love for us has 
impressed on thy sacred body, be mindful of ui 
thy servo nts, redeemed with thv precious blood. 

M Three conditions, required of those who 
join to say this prayer of compact. First, That 
they spend eight or ten minutes every day, in 
consideration of the passion and sufferings of 
Jesus Christ. '' - p£ > 

" Secondly, That at the end of this considera- 
tion, they say the foregoing, prayer for all that are 
joined with ih^m in this devotion* 

" Thirdly, That they (strive with prudence, to 
bring others, to this easy and wholesome practice 
of honouring the passion of Christ/' 



A FO'JMlTLARY OF INSTRUCTION AND PRAYERS. 

Christian People, 

Wg are corne together in obedience to the 
laws of God and bis Church, commasiding us to 
keep holy this day, not <5nly by abstaining from 
servile works, but likewise by employing our- 
selves in acts of divine worship and religious ex- 
ercises. — Of all these, the greatest 'and most holy 
is the Eucharistic Sacrifice of Mass, at which the 
Church commands all to be present with alientiohy 
reverence and devotion, on every Sunday, and fea* 



livaL which shall be directed to be kept, as of 
obligation. 

This solemn sacrifice of the is 
the same in' substance, as Jesus red 
uu ihe cross 10 ms Eternal Paths 
tion of th we Id, He • s exereis or- 

ever, by the ministry of : priest leriviag rom 
Him thei:* character an s >.si n, the fun* tion 
of his own priesthood, according to the order of 
Melchisedcchy offering up for r ins his sacred 
Body and Blood, under the appearances cf bread 
and wine. 

We come to join in this sokmn offering, and 
present it to the Sterna! Father, confessing him 
to be, and adoring him, &4 our Supreme and Al- 
mighty Lord, our fi begiani j and last end: 
we offer i' tin than! .. > . -a^. 

received from his bountiful hand especially dur- 
ing the past week : we offer it up with an humble, 
confident hop--*- of obtaini $ forgiveness for 

selves., and far all repentant inners ; and for 
the souls suffering in purgatory, refreshment and 
re.!i3f,^ through the blood of Jesus Christ: we 
c'u r it finally, praying *xod, th 

lis Blessed Son, our Saviour an 
|rant us the blessings, spiriti 

ih are needful for, and condu 

Salvation. * 

[Here all are to kneel d< m*) 

St. praj thee > •.••. - re, O Altfugiuy and &ipi~ 
God ; who through Jesus Christ hast re- 
vealed thy glory to all nations, to preserve the 
works of thy mercy, that thy Church being spread 



Fornix; i. 



► ffirough the whole world, its Members may con- 
bioe with Wi^'-w ^ iahh In. the confession of 

• thy name. 

We pray th^&. who alone art good and holy, to 
avenly knowledge, sincere zeai, 
life, our chief Bishop, N.N. the 
Vicar of our Lc ssus Christ in the govern- 
ment of his Church : di our own Bishop, N. N. 
(or if he be not consecrated,- our Bit hop elect) 
all other Bishops, Prelates and Past )rs of the 
Church ; and especially those, who are appointed! 
to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy 
ministry, and go luct thy peopi : ci o the ways 
of salvation. 

We pray thee, ) God of might, wisdom, and 
justic \ n authority is neatly admi- 

nistered, laws ire < i I .:, and judgm< t decreed, 
assist with tfaj I hit < and forti- 

tude, the Pre- k ij se United § ates, that 

'his administration may be conducted in righteous- 
ness, and be eminently iseful to thy people, over 
whom he presides, by encouraging due respect 
for -virtue fend religion ; by i faithful ■ -jcution of 
lafws in jus lice and mercy ; and b 3straining 
: ad immorality Let the light o1 ;hy divine 
wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, arid 
shine forth in a'; their proceedings and laws 
framed for our rule and government ; so that they 
reservation of peace, the promo- 
nnti happiness, the increase of indue 
Ly, &&hxiaiy, antl useful knowledge; and may 
perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty. 

We pray for his Excellency the governor of 
this State, for the Members of Assembly, for all 



INSTRUCTION AND PRAYERS. 



89 



Judges, Magistrates, and other Officers, who are 
appointed to guard our political welfare, that t 
may be enabled by thy powerful protectior 
discharge the duties of their respective static 
with honesty and ability. 

We recommend likewise to thy unborn: 
mercy, all our brethren and fellow-citis 
throughout the United States, that they ma; 
blessed in the knowledge, and sanctified in 
observance of thy most holy Law ; that they i 
be preserved in union, and in that peace, w 
the world cannot give ; and after enjoying 
blessings of this life, be admitted to those, w 
are eternal. 

Finally, we pray thee, 0 Lord of mercy 
remember the souls of thy servants depai 
who are gone before us with the sign of faith, 
repose in the sleep of peace ; the souls of 
Parents, Relations and Friends ; of those, 
when living, were members of this Congregati 
and particularly of such, as are lately deceas s 
of all Benefactors, who by their donations bi 
gacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal 
the decency of divine worship, and proved t 
claim to our grateful and charitable rem 
brance. To these, O Lord, and to all that s 
in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of > 
freshment, light and everlasting peace — thro 
the same Jesus Christ our Lord and Savioui 

[In the aft smoon service, the previous insfi 
concerning the Sacrifice *of the JMass is to 
r as the words, We pray thee the 

ii 2 



I 90 ) 



A METHOD OF HEARING MASS, 

vt 7 MEDITATING ON THE PRINCIPAL MYSTERIES OF TH* 
LIFE AND PASSION OF CHRIST. 

The Sacrifice of Mass, is a representation of that sacri 
vhich Jesus Christ offered on the Cross. — Wherefore tilt 
the most meritorious and the most comforting method o 4 " 
■ng Mass, is that in which, through the whole course of 
aerifies, we pass over the life and passion of Christ in our 
hts, and affections. In order to do this, propose to your- 
Ln the person of the priest, Christ suffering: For exam- 
n the amice, the veil which covered his tender face ; in 
b, the garment put on him by Herod ; in the girdle, ma- 
, and stole, the cords and bands, with which he was 
I; in the casuble, and purple garment; in the cross on 
isuble, the enormous weight of the Cross." 
the Confiteor, set before your eyes the fall of Adam ; at 
'yrie Eleison, the sighs of the prophets : at the Gloria 
ccelsis or Do minus Vobiscum, the Nativity of Christ ; 
t Collects, Epistle and Gospel, the tears, sighs, prayers, 
es, and preaching of Christ; at the Offertory, his ar- 
esire of suffering ; at the Sanctus, his entrance into Je- 
m ; at the elevation of the Host, his Crucifixion; at that 
' Chalice, the shedding of his blood ; at the breaking of 
>st, the death or separation of the soul and body of Christ; 
dropping of the particle of the Host into the Chalice, 
scent into hell ; at the Communion, his burial and the 
ul fruit of his passion ; at Dominus Vobiscum, his resur- 
i and various apparitions; at the last benediction, his 
ion into Heaven. 

ing made the sign of the Cross, ind renewed your in- 
, you will prepare yourselves to heav Mass with the 
ng prayers. 

FATHER of mercy! O God of 
all comfort ! who ; not content to have 
Dniy begotten Son once offered on 
^ross for our redemption, wouldst 



?RAVERS for mass. 91 

have the same most acceptable obla- 
tion dai] 3 repeated in thy church, to 

'enew, and increase in our souls the 
fruit thereof; grant, we beseech thee, 

hat we may assist at this adorable 
mystery of thy bounty <^d goodness, 

vith such attention, reverence, and 
l ove, that we may plentifully partake 
.)f the fruit of it, through the same 

Fesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 

O BLESSE D Virgin Mary, Mother 
of mercy and piety ! I humbly beseech 
thee, that as thou didst stand under the 
Cross of thy beloved Son, and in unk>n 
with him, didst offer the' sacrifice df 
ins bodj' and blood to the eternal Fa- 
ther, for the redemption of the world; 
so thou wilt now vouchsafe to assist 
me, and all here present at this ado- 
rable sacrifice, that through thi inter- 
cession, we may worthily offer it I 
the most blessed Trinity, and be par- 
takers o its divine fruits, Aiq&n. 

At the. Confit&or, '" Represent to yourself the sin of A <l$zh, 
ibr o V God cast him out of paradise, and condemned hitn *.o 
suffering, misery, and death itself Nor did the divine jpgtics 
.■lop here, but involved ail the children of ridarn. in the s ftte 



im iUn same infected stock, are born children 

of wrath h . this offence, after so many ages, been for- 

gotten, ivided among so many persons, and so severe- 

ly chastised. Yes, alt the scourges that have been inflicted on 
men, and the dreadful judgment of God against all those, who, 
from the. be! gal the W rid to the present period, have 
. led )•••;• * I at the Bad effects of this first sin ; acknow- 
bc- d, necei sit.y of such a Redeemer, and lament your 
f ins and those oi the worid." 

O MY GOD of infinite goodness ! 
for thy sake alone, I sincerely grieve 
that ever I offended thee, who'art in- 
finitely worthy of all love, honour and 
glory. From this moment, I embrace 
fcbj Uviae will with all the affection of 
thy blessed saints, and I -will love it to 
all eternity. Grant me the grace to 
obey thy commands ! and command 
whai thou pleasest. 

O JESUS, the God ot ij heart! 
how infinitely good hast thou been to 
us! how ungrateful have we proved 
to thee. Pardon, divine Jesus ! all 
our ingratitude : 'and through thy in- 
its, Slipp] defects. 
WHy my adorable will ever be accom< 
phshed in us, and by us, in all thing? 
i dm hesice forward to all eternity. 



PRAYERS FOR MASS. 

&t the Ktfrie Eleison. re t - tk - h$ oj 
-prophets' and their longing desire* er Christy 
as the remedy of nU their evils, m i ay ; 

SEND down the L&ixib, ) Lord, 
the ruler >f the earth ! O that then 
wouldst open the heave* :s and de- 
scend. Descend, ye hgavei a : 
ye clouds, rain down the Just 0] 
Let the earth be opeiiel xn Ibi d foi 
the Saviour. Say wllh fh » ffi // 1 > 
/Aers, come, O Lord j no longti , 

v2t f/ie Glori in excelsis o? Doi i ui Vobiscui J, 
consider the birth Oj Gh isi tmd &mj. 

ALL honour, praise an I glory be 
given to thee, O Christ J rho for the 
love of me, -wert pleased Lobe 
an infant babe, in the rigov :*s of a win- 
. ;'s night, and wrapped sw; uhzg 
( othes, and laid weeping in a n. ringer. 
I adore thee, O king oiT angels ! I 
ore thee, my most dear 'h edeetr*<?r ! 
Hail lovely infant, sovereign God, 
r eetest >si 1 h i prmr of peace^ 
ht of nations, long wisi 1 for 3a- 
wr \ Grant, sweet Lor that m 
-?„y sight, I may everprov* ' uaible of 



94 PRAYERS FOR i i! iSS. 

heart, poc f in spirit : that for thy sake 
I may jo fully meet all my troubles ; 

mayest theu h^ the only object of my 
love : nia t he 'the fixed on thee 
alone, 

At the Collects, Epistle, and Gospels call to your 
i id 4-e tears, groans, prayers, niracles and 

pre&ching of Christ , and $m/ ; , 

THEE I adore, praise and rlorify, 
O my Jesus ! for the immens e labours 
thou didst sustain, whilst thou, Sa- 
viour of the tvojrkl ! thirsting after the 
conversion t)f man, didst spend vhole 
nights in prayer, and wast fatigued 
with thy travels from country to eoun- 
try, from < y to pity, from village to> 
village, frc* j castle to castle, in quest 
of soil's, May thy love ih$ai e my 
.*hea:t ? and inspire it with such prompt- 
ness and alacrity, for the execution of 
good works, that P may never bi$j. 
slothful in thy divine Service. Grants 
me an ardent zeal for the salvation of 
say neighbour, and ojrqce to piumote 
it to the inmost of my power. May 
thy divine honour ever be the object 



of my zeal ; 0 may it be the inftuei 
flag principle of my whole conduct, 

You n ay also say -d the Collect, 

HEAR, we beseech theov OjEt 
oad%Father, the petitions which t 
Holy Church makes, m the name 
t hy bl e d Sob, for out uec e s s i I i i 
apd-^rant, that we mav Dever ask a 



vejriy Father f ; couduet a* id the pat] 
of perfection, and-vn^y we advance i 
the steps of humility, fife 
virtue* -/Grant, that in Imitating Jess 
t Christ, we may;4fesei - calif 

'.from the potions* ae, 
veverifeting joys of tl K-h-U, 

ffte Gospel. 

O LORD Jesus Christ! who, wi 
ajiring TOiee, didst preach thy dmk 
1 gospel to men, illuminate, I beseec 
thee, our minds, that with perfp 



PRAYERS FOR MASS* 97 

it the Offertory, considt < "rdt.nl dtsire oj 
Christ to suffer for ^ a: J off&* noursdf and 
'&l you have, to God th Father, thus.: 

O MERCIFUL father | moke me 
worthy of offering to thee, the tiieihs 
of the life and death bf thv belated 
Son. Behold, now • > yvitli the 

most precious merits os ui>r £or*rl 
sus Christ, I olier&r # ^%tk; 
standing, ivill « • 

tHoughts,^ words ^Std - \ — ^ 
bours and joys, all r *tii&a 
my whole life ^ijrt ; t^0^Jm 
or can possibly V " 
nity. This ottering. ut r - f^r* 1 if >:»fi% fv 
the hands of th^.^ifl^p^^ * rl^Bm 
Mary, and of all the ii*>£ ;*i>^^x^Miu - 
assist at this adorable Hru . : ^. 



entro'iice i 



w to mo( 



PRAYERS FOR MASS* 9i 

Remember also, O Lord, my pa 
rents, brethren, and kinsfolks ; all 
friends, namely, N, N. anil at! tl 
for whom thou vouldst Lave me pray 
take them under thy special pro tec 

$iofi, direct and advance them in the 

. wav of salvation. 



2red Hos 



chal 



Considt ike Orncifixion oj Chi 1st, and his ' ■• A 
blooa lowing from his gapi % wounds ; inate 
Acts >f Adoration , Fav h r ;?c, (teftiri 
Love, zeal for the glory of Cod, with these or 
such like aspirations* 

O JESUS ! Son of Got, and m 
blessed Virgin Mary, my 1 . >rd and 
my God, infinitely 'ram ' wfeo (or 
love o^ me, wast pleasei . be cruci- 
fied; 3 adore, the ' I !ov, id 
glorif), mlh 

creature, together with the Fa 



1 TT "5 ni 

and iiois oi-ui 



torn of my heart, I earne 
that thou may est be ever 
niiely adored, loved and g 
all, ami in all things freelv 



iOO PRA.YF.RS FOR MASS. 

for thy own sake, now and forever 
i&ore: I believe in thee, I hope in 
thee, I love thee, and whatsoever 

I fi >r the love of thee. 
3 I sincerely grie\ 
ever I oii '' ] iliee ; pardon rne, O 
my Jesus ! forgive me my sini and 
supply my de ficiencies ; from this mo- 
me'ii my hea t is ready to obey every 
motion of th-j holy will, I a» i thine. 
O Lord : I v possession of m& to all 

ity, and grant me a per. ct con- 
forrj ?y ; < -ire will, father, 

look do^n the fare of thy dearly 
beloved Son, . bom I here offer up to 
au of praise, thanks- 
givii ; a : ! propitiation^ Behold his 
tears, his sweat, his blood; hear his 
and ighs ; and through his 
labours and obedience, and anguish 
of bitter sufferings, and through the 
• ; vs of (lis pre( ions merits, 

: ~ ^^^ v01? xnr those for 

whom he died. Give us thy grace 
to love thee most perfectly, to cm- 
:e and fulfil thy holy will for time 
and eternity. Jlmm. 



PRAYERS FOR M£|3 



Memento for the dead, 

THROUGH the merits of the 
sanreXord Jesjis Christ, thy beloved 
Son, O merciful Father, have pity on 
the souls of the faithful t< 
pecially JV*. JST. and all those foi v hon i 
in particular thou woukls v 
pi ay : give them rest ar 
pose, tliat they may forever 
praise and glorify thy holy 
art infinitely worthy of all praise, ho- 
nour, a: id glory. 

At the Pater Noster, consider the 

of Christ spoken on the Grot% s laid 

1. Fatufr, forgive them, foi : 

what they- do— and pray you will Oi our 
cnewdes, and sincerely forgive theva. 

2. " 'Amen, I say unto you, tlxis day il 
be witii me in paradise — pray with th 
that yon ma be admitted into heerer 

3, Womai; » behold thy son : and io.!d 
thy mother. Beg a most Under a£ . 
the -Blessed Virgin- mid take, her for 

4. My Gc d, my God, why hast r ( e 

jne { Pray tr at yoii may mvt r be cart 
and retvlve n veer to abandon him bu , 



tO C01I- 



Fathev, into \y lianas 1 c 
Hesign yourstt-j o ifit awtn 
oursclf into the hands of G 



O LORD Jesus! by that bitterness 
which thou didst undergo forme, on 
tie cross, especially when thy blessed 
soul was separated from thy body, 
have mere on my soul, now, and at 
\u denarture. Amen. 



\t tV droi> / of the particle of the } lost into 
the Chail Consider the descent q| ' Christ mto 

ET B i A.L praise and glory be to 3 
thee O Christ ! who, having crushed 
th ' lower of the devil, didst with inftj- 
nite power and love descend wi 
Sou] into hell, and by thy pre 



the joys of paradise, and the glorious 
vision of God —May the virtue of thy 
sacred blood and passion descend 
new into purgatory, upon the souls $f 
the faithfu} departed, that freed from 
their torments they may repose in the 
bosom of eternal peace. 

At the Communion, consider the burial of Chnst 
and plentiful fruit of his passion. 
Spiritual Communion. 

" Here communicate spiritually 5 
in order to do this well, you must 
heartily detest your sins, and with 
great reverence and humility invite 
Christ to come and take possession of 
your heart, in the same manner as if 
you were actually going to communi- 
cate." 

Jtfh JLct of C/Onir Mori* to l>c triad? in li&u n f 
fefr Confession. 

O THA#| had never offended 
thee, my Jesus, infinitely amiable ? I 
am heartily sorry for all my s : as, av f 
ready to make satisfaction and repa- 
ration for them, purely for the 3 /, 
ihee. O my God and my all ! Oh ! 



104 



MASS. 



Jin Invitation to Jesus Christ. 

COME, O my Jesus! come, my 
beloved ! come, O my God and my 
Lord, my hope, my love, my all ! take 
possession of the seat of my heart; 
conform it to thy own most sacred 
Heart, that it mav never wish or tie- 
sire any thing but in perfect, confor- 
mity to thy blessed will for time and 
eternity. 

Then, as if yon had actually communicated, and 

5 ■■■tyzrz embracing your Saviour really present in 

your soul, say ; 

I HAVE found him whom my soul 
loveth, I have held him, and will not 
let him go. O Jesus ! how good art 
thou! How good hast hou ever 
been to me S I acknowledge it,, and 
ivith all possible affection T render 
thee infinite thanks* How ungrateful 
have I proved to thee ! I lameat ajad 
deplore my ingratitude, for thy sake 

oae Pardon me O Jesus ! and 



iron* this moment, I love thee and 
whatsoever thou lovest ? for the love 
of thee; g*ant me grnee to correct 
and tiiiend, even 
taull , in particular this jY. a 
severe in thy Jove and favour fo: 
O Jesils ! 0 Jesus ! grant me this 
vom r 3 hear my request. 

O Soul of Christ, sane' ' > roe 
Body of Christ, save me* 
Blood of Christ, inebriatd me. 
Water of the side of Chi , purify me. 
Pa • :<"«a of Christ, eomfoii me. 

0 ferood Jesus ! hear me.. 

Within thy sacred woundsl shelter me. 
Nev HufJer me to he separated frorn ih-.e. 

1 ■< the malice of the en »my, defeat' die 
A hour of death, call me, 

J 1 command me to come to feee, 

i i m\ t thy saints I may praise tao'e, 
World without end. Amen. 

& Domiaus Vobiscum, represent te Jf£&r« 
• ' / £&e Resurrection of Christ, and Ms di[j\ 

I vppaiilwm to th i blessed Virgin, &L J\lc.r 
v 'agdalen, the A^^lles, &c, and sau : 

.MAY all honour, j . ciitu glor^ 
be given to thee, O Christ ! who coin 
Hig forth victorious* from thy close 
shut and sealed sepulchre^dicfct arisd 



1*06 PRAYERS FOR MASS. 

in mighty triumph from the dead, ai:< I 
by the splendour of thy divine coun- 
tenance . didst replenish thy friends, 

\viiii a jvy Unfc. fre. Oil X, U 

Lord! that rising from vice and my 
former bad habits, I may walk |n a 
p - and virtue is life, and I ever 
seek what is heavenly and eternal, 
and cordially re the same. Jrant 
thai I may des[ the vanities of this 
world, so that v ; hou, O life of my 
jSCaii, shaltappt ^ 4 1 may also appear 
with thee in glo 

di ; /Vj Benediction^ consider the Ascension, of 
Christ i< t Hcl - ' ad say ; 

ALL praise, honour and glory be 
giv&i to thee, 0 Christ ! who ha\ > 
>.;pent forty days after thy resurrection, 
ascendedst in the presence of thy dis- 
ipl& from Mount Olivet, glorioe 
b Luftipfaant into 1 yen, where e 
umy bLo.^.J, Lhou sittest at the right 
hand of thy Father. O ! that my soul 
could languish (or the love of thee 
alone, and disgusted with all earthly 
things^ only attend to those of eter- 



nity I O ! that she eoHd only breathe, 
hung< avid thirst after thee ; and 
that nothing could make any impres- 
sion on my heart, or excite its afFee 
tions, save thou alone, O my Lord and 
my Gad ! 

At the end of -Mass, say ike fclhmnv Praye) 

' ALMIGHTY md etei ml God, 
out of thy immeiv ove, bast ap- 
pointed thy only hepj ?n Son. to he 
the mediator betwe* thee and sin- 
ners ; accept, I beseech thee, this sa- 
crifice and victim from me, 3 cor 
miserable sinner ; pari* m ovy^ * ; r ; 
and negligences in agisting at ii and 
never suffer me to be Withdrawn horn 
thee again. Bestow im me thy mxt 
benediction, and grant that J may ever 
faithfully serve thee here in all things 
to my last breath, aiul after this life, 
come to the glorious union of thyself; 
O my G od ! and with thy blessed Apt- 
fvxkic_. an • w.oiv>tc rioec ^}*aise HIV I 

xiui ti\ it v holy name fcr ? ■ eternity. 



( 108 ) 

OF THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE. 

11 Penance, devout Christian, is a Sacrament instituted by 
Jesus Christ, m which, through the Ministry of Priests, the 
B sins, committed after Haptism are forgiven." Receive ye the 
Holy Ghost; whose sin? you .shall forgive, they are forgiv- 
en the < : and whose sim you shall retain, they arc. retained, 
St. John c. 20. v. 22, 23. Penance requires three .things on 
the part of the penitent, vix. Contrition, Confession, and 
Satisfc ction ; if any of them he wanting the Sa lent is not 
worthily received. The contrition or sorrow required, must be 
such, That the sinner sincerely, and from his heart detest and 
hate the sin committed, either inasmuch as it is offensive to 
On;.;, "he infinite object of his obedience and love, or produc- 
I eternal mis to is ti, and the loss of his supreme 
This sorrow and ncere detestation of the sin commit- 
ted, must include a 5rn and -ircere purpose, or resolution, of 
• - hanging his -v-cked way of life, and never more con- 
senting to sin. 

■ L Poi the second pari *'• .s Sacrament, viz. Confession, 
U be valid, is r equin I. 1. I hat it he entire; that s, all mor- 
tal q ho i l imbsr, nmst be distinctly declared 
st, as far as I the poorer of t! e penitent. 2. 

that ru« an I wi cere 3 That it he 
obedient; that is, the penii ; • mast be d.spc.scd and sincerely 
ar the lirecti >ns of bis confessor, and punc* 
tually perform whatever he may enjoin. 

M T- ' part, viz. 5 if action^ require* the penitent 

to make temporal atonement, or satisfaction for the sin com- 
knitted : which, anles^ It he fully performed in this world, re- 
' kins to be don - . pur< n ry, where the severity « <f pain to be 
... s St. j igustii - Lestines, far c. coeds all the tor- 
thc Holy Ma ;frs have ever sunerea, or which can be 
suffered in this life. The sat 1 ^factions we can make, maybe 
reduced to these three heads : fasting, and of her »v:-i:tifications 
Nof the body, alms dveds. and prayer." 

THfc PR: tRATION FOR CONFESSION. 

41 As salvation^ >ca once innocence, or justifying gruce, 
uat:» at anytime V a lost after Baptism by mortal Bin, at- 



PREPARATION FOR CONFESSION. 109 



psnds, generally speaking,* on a worthy use of the Sacrament 
of Penance, a serious and diligent preparation ought first to be 
made ; wherefore it is advisable to begin your preparation for 
confession, some few days before. 1. In order to try your 
resolutions, by abstaining from sin. 2. In order to know the 
state of your soul. 

The following method may be used with advantage. 
1. Return sincere thanks to Almighty God, for having 
through love for sinners, instituted the Sacrament of Penance, 
as the means to save them from perishing eternally, after 
being so unfortunate as to forfeit his friendship and their eter- 
nal happiness by mortal sin ; and of having preserved your 
'ife to the present time, and giving you the opportunity of re- 
onciling yourself to your offended God. 

2. Beg the grace of God to enable you to discover your 
iins, and make you truly contrite and sorry for them. 

3. Examine your conscience diligently. 4. Excite true and 
incere sorrow. 5. Make fervent acts of amendment. 

A Prayer of thanksgiving, to be said by the Pe- 
nitent, when preparing for Confession. 

What am I, 0 Lord ! that thou art mindful of 
me. I have lived in sin, and have daily repeated 
many iniquities, faults and imperfections — still 
thy goodness spares the life thou hast given me ; 
offers me pardon ; invites and presses me to 
partake of the precious fruit of the blood of Christ 
— this Sacrament was instituted for sinners, and 
5uch as myself. How many, 0 Lord ! are taken 
)fY in their sins, who either never enjoyed the 
opportunity of confession, or would not make 
ise of it ! What thanks, 0 merciful and omni- 
potent God ! are due from me ! Receive. O Lord \ 
-n thaiiii. skiving tor tny goodness^ the joy tns 

* In circurus, . •.v-i^re sion }:-: impossible, con-- 

xition, with a, desire of confession, tfafSces to yejv&tioa, 
£ 



sed saints and angels feel at the c Olivers' or; 
sinner. I am now fully determined to make 
of this occasion, which thy mercy affords me, 
i that diligence as if it were to be the last of 
life.. 

-Jin humble Petition, to Jesus Christ for light to 
scover past Sins, and Grace to conceive sin- 
re Sorrow for them. 

[ost gracious Lord and Saviour ! who out of 
nfinite love and mercy towards me, hast re- 
ned me with thy precious blood, and hast or- 
ed in thy Church the Sacrament of Penance ; 
ic last resource to me, a most ungrateful and 
dious sinner ; graciously vouchsafe to enable 
veak and repenting servant, to make a right 
of thy goodness, and mercy. My dearest 
our ! look not on the iniquities of my past 
but cast thy pitying eyes on the sufferings, 
ues and labours thou hast undergone, in or- 

0 bring back poor straying sinners to a sense 
leir duty, and through repentance of their 
fold follies — thy sacred wounds are mine, 
use I am a sinner. At the sight of them, 

can be refused me ! Enlighten my under- 
ling, 0 dear Redeemer ! that I may under- 

1 thy commandments ; inflame my will, that 
y abhor, and from my heart detest my ingra- 
e. Give me, 0 Lord ! I humbly beseech 

a perfect remembrance of my past iniqui- 
Grant that nothing may escape my Know- 
3 which has been in any, way offensive and 
, easing to thee, O God of "infinite goodness 
mercy ! Amen. 



CONFESSION. 



Ill 



0 my good Angel Guardian ! to whose care I 
am committed by the supreme goodness of God, 
and who hast been witness to ail my sins and 
iniquities, pray that I may now partake of the 
fruit of the blood of Christ, in the pardon and 
remission of my sins. Amen. 

" Then proceed to a diligent and full discussion of your 
conscience, and endeavour to conceive the heinousness and 
blackness of your crimes ; carefully perusing the following ta- 
ble of sins according to the order of your duty towards God r 
towards j'our neighbour, and towards yourself." 



SINS AGAINST GOD. 
In matters of Faith. 

Have you been guilty of heresy, or disbelief of any article of 
faith, or of voluntary doubting of any article of faith ? — Have 
you rashly exposed yourself to the danger of infidelity, by read- 
ing bad books, keeping wicked company, going into places of 
worship, belonging to other communions, during the time of 
iheir service, and joining w T ith them in their worship ? — Have 
you, by word or deed, denied your faith, or railed at or despis- 
ed holy things ? — Have you been ignorant of the articles of your 
faith and the duties of your religion, or have you been negli- 
gent in instructing, or procuring the necessary instructions for 
those under your care ? — Have you given credit to dreams, ta- 
ken notice of omens, or made any other superstitious observa- 
tions ? — Have you used charms or spells, or consulted fortune, 
tellers, or made use of any other superstitious practices to find 
out things to come, recover things lost, &c? — how often ?— 
and with what scandal and ill example to others ? 

Of Hope. 

Have you despaired of salvation, or of the forgiveness of 
your sins ? — Have you rashly presumed upon God's goodness, 
continuing to offend him because he is merciful ; going on in 



112 



PREPARATION FOR 



your sins, without any thought of amendment, depending upon 
a death-bed repentance ? — Have you relied upon yourself rather 
than upon Divine Grace ; or neglected for a long time to re- 
turn to God, by repentance, after falling into mortal sin ? 

Of Charity. 

Have you loved any creature as much, or more, than God? 
— Have you murmured against the Providence of God, resisted 
his inspirations, refused to submit to his Divine Will, not pre- 
vented evil when you could and ought, or committed sin 
through human respect ? 

Of Religion. 

Have you made a sacrilegious confession or communion ? 
Have you received the sacraments of Confirmation or Matrimo- 
ny in the state of mortal sin ? — Have you abused the holy scrip- 
ture, or profaned holy places or sacred things ? — Have you 
blasphemed God or his Saints ? — Have you been negligent in 
the divine worship, seldom or never adoring and praising God, 
or giving him thanks for his benefits ? — Have you prayed but 
seldom, or with little attention, or omitted to make acts of 
Faith, Hope, and Charity? — Have you behaved with irreve- 
rence in the House of God, or broke any vow or solemn promise 
made to him ? — Have you neglected to hear Mass on Sundays 
and Holy Days of Obligation ? or have you heard it with wil- 
ful distractions, or not taken care that your children or servants 
should hear it ? — Have you refused your assistance to the main- 
tenance of your Pastor, when reasonably demanded, to the ne- 
cessary expenses for vestments, wine, candles, &c. for the use 
of the altar, or to the building or repairing the house of God ? 
— Have you neglected Confession and Communion at Easter, 
or omitted the penance enjoined you, or acquitted yourself of 
these religious duties carelessly ? — Have you sworn falsely, or 
what you did not certainly know whether it was true or false ? 
— Have you broken your lawful oaths, or sworn to do any thing 
that was wicked or unlawful? — Have you had a custom of 
swearing rashly or inconsiderately, by the name of God, by 
your soul, or by the way of imprecation upon yourselves or 
others ? Have you sworn by the blood or wounds of God, or 
any other blasphemous oath, or been accessary to others swear 
ing, cursing, or blaspheming ? — Have you spent the Sundays 



CONFESSION. 



113 



or Holy days of Obligation in idleness or sin, or been the occa- 
sion of others so spending them ? Have you done any servile 
work without necessity, upon those days ? — Have you broke the 
days of abstinence, or eaten more than one meal on fasting 
days, or been accessary to others in so doing ? — How often ? 
&c. 



SINS AGAINST OUR NEIGHBOUR. 
In Thoughts. 

Have you been deficient in point of charity towards your 
neighbour ? — Have you judged rashly of him ? — Have you 
wilfully entertained thoughts of hatred, aversion, rancour, or a 
coldness and resentment against him ? — Have you, on this ac- 
count, endeavoured to avoid meeting or speaking to him ? — 
Have you envied him in his merit, reputation, fortune, employ- 
ments ? — Have you conceived desires of revenge against him, 
and wishes that harm might befall him ?— : Have you been hard- 
hearted, or without any feeling or compassion for him in his 
affliction ? — Have you felt in yourself a secret pleasure and sa- 
tisfaction when any disgrace happened to him, and discontent 
in seeing him thrive and flourish ? — 

(These sins may vary in their malice, according to the length 
of time we were thus affected, or the relation we stand in to 
the different persons in question, or according to the greater 
or less importance of the matter under our consideration.) 

In Words. 

Have you spoken harshly to your neighbour — giving him 
abusive language — railed at him — miscalled him — mocked and 
ridiculed him — exposed him to scorn — affronted him — censured 
his conduct — found fault with every thing he did — put wrong 
constructions upon his actions — calumniated or detracted him — 
been pleased to hear others speak ill of him— listened to and 
encouraged the calumny or detraction when you could prevent 
such discourse ? 



(N. B. The motive for speaking thus, the number of persons 
K 2 



114 



PREPARATION FOR 



present, and the subject of this uncharitable language, must 
be specified, as we are bound to repair the injur}' to the 
best of our power. ) 

We also sin by ill-natured reports or insinuations — malicious 
expressions, whether true or false — by giving bad advice and 
bad example — by instilling bad or dangerous principles — by 
flattering others or approving of evil — by giving false testimony 
— by discovering the secrets or the faults of others — by abusive 
words, reproaches, bad wishes, or imprecations, &c. 

In Actions. 

Have you wronged, deceived, or circumvented your neigh- 
bour in buying or selling ? Have you injured him by stealing, 
cheating, usury, extortion, or any unlawful contract ? by put- 
ting off false money or using false weights or measures?— 
Have you bought or received stolen goods? — Have you con- 
tracted debts without design of paying them ? — We also sin 
by wronging our creditors, or our own family, by prodigal ex- 
penses — by refusing to pay our just debts when able, or by 
culpable extravagance rendering ourselves unable to pay them ; 
by neglecting the wowk or business for which we were hired, 
and obliged by contract to perform. In fine, by unjustly tak- 
ing or keeping any thing of value belonging to another; in 
which case it is impossible to obtain forgiveness, without mak- 
ing restitution to the best of our power. 

(And here it is to be observed, that where two or more jointly 
injure another, in goods or reputation, they are jointly and 
severally obliged to restitution; that is to say, they are 
bound to contribute their respective proportions towards 
repairing the injury, and every individual of them is an- 
swerable before God for the whole injury when either 01 
any of the accomplices refuse to repair their portion thereof. 

In Omissions. 

Have you neglected to succour, comfort and assist yout 
neighbour in necessity ? — Have you neglected to restore ill- 
gotten goods, or repair injured characters ? — Have you refused 
to be reconciled to an enemy, or to perform duties of obliga- 
tion, such as respect and love towards parents, obedience to 
superiors, &c. ? 



CONFESSION. 



115 



SINS AGAINST OURSELVES ARE COMMITTED 
By Pride. 

In having too great esteem for ourselves, and haughtily de- 
spising others — In being too apt to speak of our own affairs, or 
in our own praise — In aspiring to honours and preferment 
through vanity — In affecting to be humble, or in deceiving 
others by hypocrisy — In being influenced in what we do by 
human respects for obtaining the applause and esteem of men 
— In being too much wedded to our own opinions and inclina- 
tions — In being too solicitous about our health — In being too 
ibnd of the pleasures, comforts and conveniences of life. 

By Avarice. 

In being backward in giving alms according to our ability — 
In squandering away in gaming, or in vain and foolish ex- 
penses, the substance that Providence hath given for the relief 
of the poor and distressed — In not only refusing them an alms 
which we can afford, but in refusing it with bitterness, re- 
proaches, imperious ill-natured language*, or with an insulting 
air — In being too much attached to the goods of this life ; 
where it must be ever remembered, that whatever is really 
superfluous to us, belongs of right to the poor ; that where, 
there is much, much should be given : and that where there is 
only a little, even some of that little should be cheerfully given, 
for " God loves the cheerful giver." 

By Envy. 

In being sorry for the prosperity of others — In rejoicing at 
their misfortunes — In wishing, with jealousy, for what belongs 
to them. 

By Impurity, 

In wilfully dwelling upon, or taking pleasure in unchaste 
thoughts. 

N. B. The 'penitent must here mention whether these bad 
thoughts were entertained during a considerable time, and 
how long ; whether they were accompanied with desires ot 



116 



PREPARATION FOR 



committing the evil ; whether they caused irregular motions ; 
whether in a holy place ; and, finally, whether the objects 
of the sinful desires were single or married, kindred or rela- 
tions, or persons consecrated to God. 

By Words. 

lie speaking obscenely ; or with a double meaning, which 
is as bad, if not worse — In listening with pleasure to such vile 
language. 

(N. B. This sort of discourse is still more criminal when it 
passes between two persons of a different sex.) 
We also sin grievously this way, by singing unchaste songs ; 

by giving toasts and sentiments contrary to modesty, or by 

permitting them to be given when we can prevent them, or by 

not retiring on such occasions. 

By Looks. 

In viewing immodest objects — In reading bad books — In 
keeping indecent pictures — In frequenting plays and public 
assemblies, which are but too often the schools of vice, where 
dangerous objects are held up to view, and where vice is re- 
presented, not in its native horrible colours or consequences, 
but as mere gaiety. Comedies, also, are often so full of inde- 
cent sentiments and indelicate allusions, as cannot but offend 
a modest ear, and have an immoral tendency. They are not 
only powerful incentives to this vice, but are, besides, evident- 
ly unlawful, for the following reason, viz, : Because we can- 
not assist at them without contributing, by our purse and ex- 
ample, to maintain a set of people in a profession, or way of 
life, which was always deemed infamous by the Catholic 
Church. Under this head, likewise, may be classed, the 
tempting of others to sin, by dissolute glances, gestures, or im- 
modesty in dress or behaviour. 

By Actions. 

In abusing and defiling the sanctity of marriage, by such 
liberties and irregularities as are contrary to the order of 
nature — In touching ourselves or others immodestly — In per- 
mitting indecent liberties to be taken with us ; and what their 
consequences were. 



CONFESSION. 



117 



(N. B. It is necessary to explain every thing, in order to make 
known such circumstances as may increase or diminish the 
guilt, with as much modesty as possible ; and also to declare 
whether we have employed, or neglected to employ, the 
necessary means of overcoming this vile passion. We 
should carefully distinguish what is wilful from what is not ; 
an effect of deliberation, from one of mere negligence. 
Also, the number of these bad actions, or, at least, the 
length of time we continued in the habit of committing them ; 
with what sort of persons we have sinned or desired to sin ; 
but this without mentioning their names. And as it too 
©ften happens wLih young persons, who have miserably 
fallen into a certain sin, of a lonely and abominable nature, 
either to conceal this crime, or not faithfully confess how 
often they have been guilty of it, we therefore earnestly be- 
seech such to reflect seriously upon the fatal evils in which 
they involve themselves. Let them consider that all those 
confessions, and the communions which follow them, are 
only so many sacrileges, removing them still farther from 
God, and provoking his just indignation against them ; that 
the longer they continue in this state of hypocrisy, the more 
difficult it must be to overcome their bashfulness, and the 
more anguish they must feel in their own interior ; that no 
practice is more destructive of health, beauty, or genius, 
than this ; that it deforms and debilitates the w T retched per- 
petrator ; that it must not only in a moral, but also in a 
physical sense, degrade him beneath the rank of the brute 
creation, and render him contemptible to mankind. 

By Gluttony. 

In exceeding the bounds prescribed by temperance — In eat- 
ing or drinking to excess — In exciting others to do so — In not 
observing with due exactness, the days of fasting and absti- 
nence enjoined by the Church — In exceeding the quantity 
which is usually allowed at collation. 

By Anger. 

In abusing, quarrelling, striking, or wishing evil to others— 
In provoking others to quarrel or fight ; which sins are still 
more heinous when parents or superiors are the object thereof. 



118 



PREPARATION FOR 



By Sloth. 

In neglecting our religious or moral duties — In performing 
them carelessly — In leading a life of idleness, voluptuousness 
and dissipation — In passing our time unprofitably, when the 
duties of our state call on us to labour. We are also guilty by 
following the bent of our inclinations, and gratifying self-love — 
By studying too much our own ease, and by too great a re- 
missness in mortifying our passions or senses. 

44 Having obtained the knowledge of your sins by a careful 
examen of conscience, employ all the powers of your soul in 
exciting sincere sorrow and true repentance. This is the 
fourth point required in your preparation for confession ; and 
as it is the most difficult, it requires the greatest exertion : to 
to this end leisurely consider, that -by every mortal sin you 
become, 

1. An enemy to God. Detest your sins and ingratitude, 

2. A slave to the devil. Abhor his bondage, and take 
yourself from it. 

3. Incapable of merit. Lament the cause. 

4. Fit only to burn in the flames of hell. Regret your mis 
fortune : do justice to your soul. 

5. You become a persecutor and murderer of Jesus Christ. 
Ask pardon for your ingratitude and cruelty. 

44 Having excited . sincere and hearty sorrow by seriously 
meditating on each of these five motives, make the following 
act of Contrition." 

Act of Contrition. 

All merciful and eternal God ! vouchsafe to 
look down upon me, a most perfidious and un- 
grateful sinner. Behold ! I cast myself before 
the throne of thy divine mercy, and most humbly 
crave thy pardon for my innumerable sins and 
transgressions. My God ! I am sorry for them, 
purely because they are displeasing to thee, who 
art a God of infinite love and goodness to me, a 
poor, wretched and ungrateful sinner. I have, 



ACT OP CONTRITION. 



119 



0 my God, in my iniquities despised thy divine 
attributes, contemned the blood of thy dearest 
Son ; my sins cry aloud to heaven for vengeance : 
but permit, 0 my God, that sincere sorrow and 
repentance may reach the throne of thy mercy, 
and plead in my behalf for pardon and forgive- 
ness. 

Sweet Jesus, crucified on a cross for my sake! 
pardon the sins I have committed. Remember 
thy prayers for thy enemies ; " Father, forgive 
them, for they knoiu not what they do." I have 
been thy enemy by my sins : I have denied and 
betrayed thee by my repeated treasons and of- 
fences. But grant me pardon according to thy 
tender mercies — I offer thee a heart filled with 
sorrow and repentance. I am, 0 dearest Re- 
deemer, absolutely determined never more to be 
guilty of these sins — I here purpose, at the foot 
of thy Cross, to fly all occasions of offending thee ; 
to avoid the company of thy enemies, and invio- 
lably to unite and join my heart.and affections to 
thine. Most loving Redeemer ! let thy sacred 
blood trickle down on my soul and heal it from 
all my iniquities. I beg this favour through those 
five precious wounds which thy love of me has 
caused thee to suffer, and through which thou de- 
sirest to procure my soul eternal rest. 

" Then recommend yourself to the Mother of God, that she 
may obtain for you, by her prayers and intercession, the graces 
prepared for those who worthily make use of the Sacrament of 
lance. — If it happen that many are going to confession, re- 
e that many are called to repentance, and consequently into 
way to salvation. Say some short prayer for them. As 
f r i yourself, keep your mind recollected, and from time to time 
pat cWt arts of sorrow, of the love of God, adoration, 



r raise, &c. entertain yourself with mental or vocal prater, as 
a*ay best suit your time or opportunity." 

" Begin your Confession in this manner : 

" In the name of the Father, fyc. Bless me, Father, for 
I have sinned. I confess to Almighty God, to all the saints, 
d to you my ghostly father, that I have exceedingly sinned in 
thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, 
ough my most exceeding great fault. Since my last confes- 
tij (which was eight days, a month, or a year ago,) I ac- 
e myself, &c. Having humbly confessed whatever sins 
you could remember, conclude your confession with these 
ds : For these and all other my sins, I am sincerely 
*y 3 and do beg penance and absolution ." 



fICE TO BE FOLLOWED AFTER CONFES- 
SION. 

Silence and recollection are seriously recommended 
confession, that you may more effectually call to mind — 
.. The penance enjoined by your confessor as a part of the 
action due to God for your sins ; which penance you must 
illy and devoutly perform. 

. The directions or advice given, in order to forward the 
■ting of evil habits and shunning the occasions of sin. 
. The obligations you are under of restoring ill-gotten 
I and of making satisfaction for injuries done your neigh- 
vvhether by words or deeds." 



A PRAYER AFTER CONFESSION. 

wagine you hear your divine Saviour say 
icords to you. Behold ! thou art made 
sin no more, lest some worse thing happen 
to thee. John, ch. 5. ver. 14." Then say 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS. 



121 



Praise, honour and glory, be given to thy holy 
mme, 0 Lord ! who hast showed thy mercy to so 
vretched, so ungrateful a sinner as myself. — I 
have deserved infinite punishment, but in thy 
goodness and mercy thou inspirest me with a 
confident hope of salvation. Truly thou art the 
jrod of all consolation, the true comfort of sin- 
gers, who from the shades of eternal death guid- 
lih them to the possession of peace and joy — 
may all the world know thy goodness : may all 
eel thy mercy, that all may praise thee, 0 God ! 
as thou deservest. In thy presence, 0 Lord ! I 
once more declare my sincere regret and detes- 
tation of my sins ; and I offer to thee my absolute 
and firm resolution, with the help of thy holy 
grace, never to offend thee more. Receive the 
small satisfaction I can make to thy divine Ma- 
jesty by a strict observance of my purposes, by 
mortifying my inclinations, and curbing my pas- 
sions. Permit me, 0 dear Redeemer ! to present 
thee thy own sufferings, fatigues and labours, to- 
gether with all the pains, torments and blood of 
thy holy martyrs, in satisfaction for my sins. 

" If you are going to Communion, let all your 
actions, words and thoughts be so directed to God, 
and accompanied with pious aspirations, as to 
render them a continual preparation for holy 
Communion." 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS BEFORE COM- 
MUNION. 

" It behooves you to know well, before you go to Commu- 
nion, the dispositions you should be in, and the sentiments you 



122 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS 



should entertain, in order to come worthily to this most vene- 
rable sacrament of the Eucharist, and how you are to enter- 
tain your blessed Lord, after he has been pleased to render 
you partaker of so great a mystery. A want of this know- 
ledge, or negligence in complying with it, is the unhappy cause 
why so few experience its salutary effects, either in themselves, 
or show them forth to the edification of their neighbour.— 
Read over attentively the following texts from St. Paul ; then, 
devout Christian, you will undoubtedly conclude, that the duty 
of Communion is not to be hurried over ; and that the respect 
due to so loving a Redeemer, will not admit of his being for- 
gotten as soon as received." 

Whosoever shall eat this bread or drink the Chalice of 
our Lord unworthily, he shall be guilty of the body and 
blood of our Lord. 1 Cor. ch. xi. v. 27. 

But let a man try himself, and so let him eat of that 
bread and drink of that Chalice. For he that eateth and 
drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to him- 
self, not discerning the body of our Lord. 1 Cor. ch. 
xi. v. 28, 29. 

" The trial which the Apostle here requires, is the serious 
preparation, you have to make before you venture to approach 
these sacred and divine mysteries. 

" To this end, I here suggest to you such preparatory acts 
as may afford you sufficient occupation not only for the day of 
your Communion, but for several' days before, viz. Acts of 
Faith, Humility, Contrition, Hope, Love and Desire. — The 
Devout Christian is admonished and directed how to produce 
'Voin the pious affections of his heart, rather than to con- 
nself to the formula of words, which may follow each 
These elucidations of the acts are intended for such per- 
vho are not accustomed to reflect on pious subjects." 

lour Act of Faith. " Reflect on the important work 
e about: fixing in your mind a devout and firm belief of 
il presence of Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist ; and 
(3 the sentiments of your soul in the following manner. " 

Act of Faith. 

it possible, O my God, that I am about to 
ive thee ! Is it possible that I am to receive 



BEFORE COMMUNION. 



123 



that same body which was formed in the womb of 
the blessed Virgin Mary, and born in a poor 
stable : which suffered so many insults, reproaches 
and blasphemies.; which was cruelly scourged, 
crowned with thorns, and condemned to the cruel 
death of the Cross, through love of me ! — Yes, 
O my God, I firmly believe it, because thou hast 
said it : For it is impossible that thou shouldst 
deceive me. What other proof, 0 my soul, 
wouldst thou require of the real and actual pre- 
sence of your Saviour in this adorable sacrament 
than his own infallible word, This is my body, 
ihis is my blood. — 0 Jesus, thou God of truth, 
who hast the words of eternal life, (John, ch. 6.) 
behold I do openly confess and am inwardly con- 
vinced that it is thy real body, thy real blood, 
accompanied with thy soul and thy divinity, to- 
gether with the eternal Father, and the Holy 
Ghost, who come to reside in my heart through 
this most adorable sacrament I am about to re- 
ceive. It is, 0 my soul, that very God who 
created Heaven and Earth and all things therein 
contained ; that God of power and majesty, who 
gives glory to the saints and angels in heaven, 
whose power is tremendous on the reprobate in 
hell ; that very God, whom I, in the iniquities of 
my life, have sacrilegiously slighted and contemn- 
ed. Behold, 0 my God ! the sincere contrition 
of my heart, because thou art the truth, whose sa- 
cred words cannot deceive. Were I to behold 
my corporeal eyes, or touch with my hands, 
lpressions of the wounds thou didst receive 
i cross, still I could not say with more con- 



124 INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS. 



fidence than I now do, that thou art my Lord, 
and my God. 

Verily thou art a hidden God. Isaiah, c. 45. 

/ do believe, Lord : Help thou my unbelief, — 
Mark, c. 9. v. 24. 

In your Act of Humility. u Call to mind your un worthi- 
ness, expressing your past ingratitude, baseness and wicked* 
ness, &c. which render you infinitely unworthy to approach 
the majesty of that God who rules Heaven and Earth," and 
say; 

An Act of Humility. 

Whom am I, 0 my God, that thou shouldst 
come to me ! What am I, that thou, the God of 
majesty and glory, shouldst deign even to look 
upon me ! The heavens are not pure in thy sight, 
the angels and saints stand before thee with re- 
verential awe ; how then, 0 my God, can I dare 
approach to thee, base and ungrateful sinner as 
I am ! In truth, what am I ! Nothing, 0 my God, 
but a compound of ignorance, sin and misery; on 
account of my grievous transgressions and base 
ingratitudes, which confound and alarm me, I am 
obliged to confess my real unworthiness of the 
smallest of thy favours. It is just, 0 Lord, that 
I should be contemned and despised by all thy 
creatures as the most vile and most wretched of 
them all. How can I, from this abyss of wretch- 
edness, dare to appear before thee, 0 God of 
purity and sanctity ! If I do, it must be at thy 
command, and by interposing the merits and 
blood of thy dearest Son. between my miseries 



BEFORE COMMUNION. 



125 



and thy sacred eyes — cast then thy eyes, O my 
God, on his bitter death and passion : it is for me 
he bleeds, for me he dies. I will approach thee, 
my God, humbly confiding in the infinite charity 
of thy blessed Son, that he will mercifully supply 
al! deficiencies on my part, and prepare my heart 
for thy reception. 

Whence is this to me ? Luke, c. 1. v. 28. 

Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter 
under my roof. Matt. c. 8. v. 8. 

In your Act of Contrition. " Represent your dear Savi- 
our before your eyes stretched out on a cross, wounded, 
bleeding and dying. What causes these wounds ? Your sins ; 
count the number of them ; ask pardon for each in particular," 
and say ; 

Jin Act of Contrition. 

0 my dearest Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 
Behold prostrate at thy sacred feet, the most un- 
worthy and most ungrateful sinner on the face of 
the earth. My God ! I have offended thee most 
grievously. For a base and momentary satisfac- 
tion, I have caused thy tender hands and feet to 
be bored with rough and cruel nails, thy sacred 
head to be pierced with thorns, thy innocent body 
to be wounded from head to foot, and fastened to 
the hard wood of the cross. 0 my God, how I 
grieve for having offended thee ! Oh ! that I had 
never been so unfortunate as to commit sin. Oh ! 
that I could atone for my crimes with the last drop 
of my blood ! Strike, O Lord, strike dead this 
miserable body of mine, take revenge on thy ene- 
my ; but how, dear Jesus, will thy vengeance fall 
without meeting with the powerful supplication of 
L 2 



126 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS 



thy sacred blood ; turn then thy merciful eyes on 
those sacred marks in thy hands, feet and side : 
and have mercy on me, since in them I place my 
sole confidence. 

Wash me yet more from my iniquity. Ps. 50. 

Create a clean heart in me, O my God, and re~ 
new a right spirit within my boivels. Ps. 50. 

In your Act of Hope. " Call to mind the promisa of 
Jesus Christ to sinners ; his love and tender charity, his pray- 
ing and dying for them, &c. on this you are solely to rely, not 
ofi your own words, deeds and feelings," and say j 

An Act of Hope. 

It is true, O my God, I am a base and ungrate* 
ful sinner, guilty of innumerable sins and offences 
against thy divine majesty ; and consequently un- 
worthy even to pronounce thy sacred name. — 
But, 0 my God, remember, I beseech thee, re- 
member thy tender promises to sinners. Remem- 
ber that loving invitation of thine ; Come to me, 
all you that labour and are burdened, and J will 
refresh you. Matt. c. ii. v. 28. Behold, O my 
God, I do accept of this thy kind and gracious 
invitation : I lay before thee all my wants, my 
misery and my blindness ; and confidently hope 
that thou wilt enlighten my understanding, in- 
flame my will, strengthen my soul in the midst 
of such crosses, afflictions and temptations which 
thou hast appointed me to suffer, and through thy 
bitter death and passion supply my defects, and 
prepare my heart to receive thee worthily. I 
ccme to thee, dear Jesus, as the prodigal son to 
his father ; I come as a sick man to his physician 



BEFORE COMMUNION. 



127 



humbly and confidently hoping that thou wilt cure 
all my infirmities, and give me grace to serve 
thee faithfully all the days of my life. 

Lord, behold whom thou lovest is sick. John, 
c. IX. v. 3. 

Behold, my God, I will deed confidently in his 
regard. Ps. 11. v. 6. 

In your Act of Love and Desire. " Represent your dear 
Saviour before your eyes, disclosing his sacred heart, and ask- 
ing yours ; Son, give me thy heart. Consider who it is that 
makes this request, and what right he has to make it. Reflect 
on his immense love for you in having become man, suffered 
and died on a cross to save your soul ; but more especially in 
giving himself in the sacrament you are about to receive, to be 
your food and nourishment: and express the sentiments of 
your soul in these or such like words 

Acts of Love and Desire. 

Who is he, thou art about to receive 1 0 my 
soul, be attentive — Who is he thou art going to 
receive 1 Thy God ! thy Redeemer ! who on thy 
account shed his most precious blood during his 
agony in the garden of Gethsemane ! who for love 
of thee, suffered his sacred head to be pierced 
with a crown of thorns, and his virginal flesh to 
be rent and torn at the pillar with whips and 
scourges ! who for the love of thee, suffered him- 
self to be clothed in a purple garment, and de- 
rided as a mock king, with a reed for his sceptre ! 
Who for love of thee, suffered his sacred hands 
and feet to be fastened with rough nails to the 
wood of the cross ; in fine, who for love of thee, 
hung thereon in the most ignominious manner, 
* between two thieves, suffering for the space of 



128 INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS 

three hours, the most excruciating pains and tor- 
ments ! at last expired for thy redemption ! O 
Lord Jesus ! after such astonishing proofs of thy 
love for man, who can refuse to thee a return of 
love. Ah ! dear Lord, receive all the love and 
affections of my soul. — May every breath I draw 
which is an increase of my life, be an increase of 
my love for thee. Thou hast, 0 my Jesus, a just 
claim to every affection of my heart, purchased 
by the opening of thy sacred heart, infinitely 
worthy of the adoration of men and angels. O 
divine object, living and quickening source ol 
eternal life, infinite treasury of the divinity, burn- 
ing furnace of divine love ! consume my heart, 
with that burning fire, with which thine is inflamed ; 
pour down on my soul those graces which flow 
from thy love, and separate its affections from 
creatures, and fix them inseparably on thyself.— 
Thou, 0 my Jesus, art my choice ; thee I desire 
to receive ; come then, 0 Lamb of God, who 
takest away the sins of the world ! Come, 0 my 
Lord and my God ! Come, thou beloved object 
of my heart! Come, and take possession of my 
soul. 0 that I may behold thee, thou God of my 
heart ! my joy, my delight, my God, my all. 
Who will give me wings to fly to thee ! My heart, 
() my God, is ready, and if it were not, with one 
word thou couldst cleanse and purify it. 

Come, Lord Jesus. Apoc. c. 22. v. 20. 

Jls the hart panteth after the fountains of wa- 
ter, so my soul panteth after thee, O God. Ps» 
41. 1. 



129 



Then say : 

O Mt God, thou seesl how an worthy I am io 
approach to thee in this most adorable sacrament. 
Permit me then, O my God, to offer to thee, in 
supply of my defects, the lively faith and profound 
humility of thy blessed saints and faithful ser- 
vants ; the great contrition and filial confidence 
of thy humble penitents ; the pure love and affec- 
tion of thy holy mother, apostles and martyrs ; 
the merits of the saints, whose name I bear, and 
of the saints JV. N. to whom I am more particu- 
larly devoted. 0 all ye blessed Saints of heaven ! 
offer up to God for me the merit of one action of 
yours, whilst in this life; that I may approach to 
receive this sacrament in a worthy manner. — And 
thou, 0 my good Angel, guardian of my soul and 
body ! assist me in this communion I am about, 
that it may be to the greater honour and glory of 
God, and the good of my soul. Amen. 



AFTER COMMUNION. 

u Having received holy communion, r^new and cherish a 
lively faith of what you have been receiving. Being truly 
convinced and firmly believing, that the Creator and Lord of 
Heaven and Earth, is substantially and personally present with 
you ; what ought to be the affections and sentiments of your 
soul? With profound humility bow down to his divine ma- 
jesty." 

In your Act cf Adoration. " Adore Jesus Christ now 
present in your breast. Adore him throughout his whole life, 
in all and every one of his actions, in all and every one of his 



lis birth, proceed oi; 
idorations add those 
Vim during his pas- 
ings, and shared in 

the Liossings thence ucuveu to ins cnurch ; wish your adora* 
tions could equal theirs." Express the affections of your hear! 
in this or some similar manner : 

An Act of Adoration. 

Most adorable majesty of my God, really pre- 
sent in my breast ! what can I do here in thy sa- 
cred presence, but cast myself in spirit at thy 
feet, and adore thee with all the powers of my 
soul ! Yes, 0 my God, I adore thee with my 
whole heart and soul. I adore thee, 0 my God, 
in that excessive love, wherewith thou didst take 
upon thyself human nature in order to procure the 
salvation of my soul. I adore thee in thy nati- 
vity ; in thy circumcision and flight into Egypt ; 
in all the actions of thy private life ; in thy bap- 
tism and holy fasting ; in thy preaching and mira- 
cles. I adore thee, dear Saviour, in thy last sup- 
per and that admirable love wherewith thou clidst 
institute the most adorable sacrament of the Eu- 
charist. I adore thee in thy agony in the garden 
of Gethsemane, when thick drops of blood 
streamed from every part of thy body. I adore 
thee, most cruelly scourged at the pillory, crown- 
ed with thorns, and dragging thy heavy cross to 
mount Calvary. I adore thee, dear Saviour, fas- 
tened to the cross with rough and cru 
hanging thereon, ignominiously placed 
two thieves ; and suffering most excrucia 
ments for three hours ; and at last expiring 



AFTER COMMUNION. 



131 



cross for my redemption. 0 all ye blessed 
apostles and martyrs !. all ye inhabitants of hea- 
ven ! — adore my Jesus for me. 

Blessed is he that comelh in the name of the 
Lord. Matt. c. 21. v. 9. 

O dear Jesus, thou alone art the Lord, thou 
alone art the most high. Cant. Ar-g. 

In your Act of Thanksgiving. " Thank your divine 
Saviour, from your heart, for his blessings to you, your family, 
friends and relations. With grateful affection return him 
thanks for the virtues and favours conferred on the saints of 
your name, and other saints to whom you are more particu- 
larly devoted. Beg of them to join you in returning those 
thanks to Jesus Christ, which he deserves from you. Thank 
him for becoming man for your sake : thank him for all his ac- 
tions, pains and sufferings, from the day of his birth to his ex- 
piring on the cross, and his ascending into Heaven;" then 
say : 

Jin Act of Thanksgiving* 

What thanks, O my God, can equal the fa- 
vour thou hast conferred on me this day 1 Not 
content to have suffered and died for me on a 
cross, thou even givest thyself to me to be my 
food and nourishment. 0 dearest Saviour ! un- 
worthy creature as I am, I return thee thanks from 
the bottom of my heart, for all thy blessings to 
me, my family, friends and relations. I thank 
thee for all the virtues and favours conferred on 
the saint of my name, N. N. and the saints /V 
jY. to whom I entertain a particular d( 
Unite with me, all ye Saints of Heaven, b 
ing those thanks which he deserves fi 
an infinity of titles. I thank thee, dear Savio 



132 



INSTRUCTIONS AND PRAYERS 



for becoming man for my sake. I thank thee, 
for all thou hast done and suffered for me from 
the day of thy birth to thy expiring on the cross, 
and ascension into Heaven. O that I could 
thank thee as much as all the blessed Saints and 
Angels in Heaven. 

What shall I render to the Lord for all the 
things that he hath rendered to me. Ps. 1 1 5. v. 3. 

He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful 
ivories. Ps. 110. v. 4. 

In your Act of Oblation. " Make an offering to your 
dear Redeemer of your will, memory and understanding, to- 
gether with all you now enjoy or possibly can possess. Offer 
to him your resolutions and good purposes of henceforward 
being punctual in the discharge of every duty, careful in avoid- 
ing all sin, with the dangers and occasions thereof ; diligent in 
denying and mortifying your appetites and sensual inclinations : 
constant and assiduous in private and public prayer, &c." an( 
say ; 

An Act of Oblation. 

0 my God, thou givest thyself to me ; what re 
turn shall I make to thee for this favour? Tho 
hast asked my heart. Behold it then, dear Sa- 
viour ! I offer it to thee ; although it already be- 
longs to thee by a thousand titles. Receive, 0 
Lord, my will, my memory and understanding, 
with all I possess, or can possibly possess for all 
eternity. 0 may I die a thousand deaths rather 
tow on creatures the least part of what 
jred to thee. Yes, O my God ! here 
prostr i thy sacred presence, I offer thee my 
ition of complying with all the duties 
nfinite goodness has laid to my charge, 



AFTER COMMUNION. 



i33 



and of being constant and assiduous in all exer- 
cises of religion, piety and devotion, both public 
*nd private. 0 my God, assist me, I beseech 
ee, in all my actions with thy holy grace ; for 
ithout that I can do nothing. 
1 am thy servant and the son of thy handmaid. 
•3. 115. v. 16. 
Into thy hands I commend my spirit Ps. 30. 
6. 

" It is the desire and intention of Jesus Christ, your most 
ring Saviour and bountiful benefactor, to heap blessings and 
vours upon you, whenever he vouchsafes to visit you in this 
lor able sacrament of his body and blood. Wherefore apply 
I him with confidence." 

In your Act of Petition. " Entreat your loving Saviour 
be to you a friendly judge. Remember you lodge within 
)iir breast that very God before whom you must soon appear ; 
humbly request him to pronounce the sentence of your salva- 
m ; to pardon all your sins, and make known to you his di- 
ne will ; and promise to follow it. Offer up your prayers for 
3iir parents, relations, spiritual directors and benefactors • for 
le whole church, and all others for whom you purpose to 
ray,* for your enemies and all unbelievers and sinners. Re- 
ommend in a particular manner to his mercy the souls of the 
lithful departed, and especially all your deceased relations, 
nd say j" 

An Act of Petition. 

0 dear Saviour, judge of the living and dead, 
before whom I must soon appear to render an ac- 
count of all my thoughts, words and works ! I 
humbly beseech thee to be to me a friendly 
judge. And in order to this, pardon all the sins 
of my past life, and give me a detestation and 
sorrow for them. Make known to me, 0 my 

M 



134 PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION. 

God, thy holy will, and I promise obediently to 
follow it. Permit me, dearest Saviour, to re- 
commend to thy merciful protection, my parents, 
relations, spiritual directors, friends and bene- 
factors, both living and dead. Cast a propitious 
eye, I beseech thee, on thy holy Church, or 
JY. N, on my enemies, on all unbelievers and 
sinners. Be propitious to the poor souls in pur- 
gatory ; and grant us all eternal life. 

Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy. 
Ps. 118. 

/ ivill not let thee go except thou bless me. — 
Gen. 32. 

" Then address the most blessed Virgin Mary, 
Mother of God and say, 

A Prayer to the Mother of God. 
0 M other of mercy and piety, Mother of my 
Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly entreat thee to re- 
ceive me under the wings of thy merciful protec- 
tion, and defend me from all the snares of the 
devil, from all the corruptions of the world, and 
all the lustful allurements of the flesh, that I may 
never be so unhappy as to fall again into mortal 
sin, but rather by means of frequent communion, 
contracting daily a more intimate union with thy 
dear Son, I may live in him and he in me. — 
Amen. 

These acts may be continued for several days 
after communion, either whilst at your daily em- 
ployment, or in solitary retirement 



PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION. 135 



Another Prayer after Communion. 
0 my soul, bless the Lord : and let all that is 
within thee praise and magnify his holy name. — 
Pay him the best homage thou art able, and in- 
vite Heaven and Earth to join with thee in glori- 
fying him forever. O my God ! that I could now 
give thee as much praise, honour and glory, as 
the blessed spirits incessantly give thee in Hea- 
ven ! 0 that I could adore thee with the spirit 
and affection of thine elect ! But as I am unable 
to do this, accept at least this my desire and good 
will. O ye angels and saints, bless my God for 
me ; thank my Lord for me ; love my Jesus for 
me, and sing forth his praises in supply of my de- 
fects. 0 Beauty ever ancient, and always new ! 
too late have I known thee, too late have I loved 
thee. When shall I live only in thee, by thee, 
and for thee alone ! 0 my God and my All, 
when shall the day, when shall the happy time 
arrive, that, disgusted with the false happiness of 
this deceitful world, I shall seek comfort from 
thee alone, and find rest to my soul ! O hea- 
venly manna ! 0 adorable sacrament ! 0 in- 
estimable pledge of God's love to mankind ! 0 
standing memorial of Christ's passion and death ! 
O inexhaustible fountain of divine grace ! O 
boundless mercy ! 0 divine charity ! O sacred 
fire, ever burning and never decaying ! hail, O 
loving Jesus, my only pleasure and delight — the 
joy of my soul and my portion forever. Let my 
soul be sensible of the sweetness of thy presence. 
Let me taste how sweet thou art, O Lord. Pu- 
rify my heart from the dross of all earthly affec- 



136 PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION. 



lions.— Deliver me from my vicious customs. 
Remove from me all baneful effects of concu- 
piscence. — Perfect me in charity, patience, hu- 
mility, obedience, and all other virtues. 0 may 
I rather die than ever more offend thee by mortal 
sin ! 0 may I prove my gratitude by my fidelity 
to so good a God ! Abolish the reign of sin, and 
establish the kingdom of grace in all hearts. Let 
the light of thy countenance so shine upon all 
those who are in the darkness of infidelity, as to 
dispel their errors. Grant peace and union to 
all Christian princes, and preserve us from the 
dreadful scourges of war, famine, and pestilence. 
Convert all sinners ; reconcile those who are at 
variance. Have mercy on my parents, friends 
and benefactors. Have mercy on all my ene- 
mies ; forgive them their sins, and fill both their 
hearts and mine with thy charity. Reform all 
abuses, and remove all scandals from thy Church. 
Comfort all that are under any affliction, sick- 
ness, or violence of pain. Support those who 
are under temptation ; protect those that are in 
danger ; and grant a happy passage to all that 
are in their last agony. Extend thy mercy like- 
wise to the souls of all the faithful departed, and 
admit them to the possession of thy eternal glory. 
Grant relief to us all in all our respective necessi- 
ties, the remission of our sins, the grace of final 
perseverance, and life everlasting. Amen, 

Another Prayer after Communion, or when it has 
been received by the sick as a viaticum, 
0 my gracious Saviour ! what greater happi- 
ness or comfort could 1 expect ! 0 wonderful 



PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION. 137 

condescension of my God ! 0 what return shall 
I make him for his ineffable love ! He, whom 
the Saints, the Angels, and the whole heavenly 
host adore, hath given himself entirely to me, 
and now, really and substantially, dwelleth with- 
in me ! Without any other inducement, but his 
pure mercy, he hath vouchsafed to visit, comfort 
and nourish my poor soul with the divine and 
heavenly banquet of his precious body and blood, 
with which he redeemed me on the cross. May 
honour, praise and glory be forever paid thee, O 
my sweet Redeemer Jesus Christ ! 0 that I 
could now give thee as much honour and glory 
as is incessantly given thee by the whole choir 
of Heaven ! Accept, 0 Lord, my heart as a 
thanksgiving offering for all thy favours and 
blessings. Accept my whole being, for by every 
claim of right and justice it belongeth entirely to 
thee. 

And thou, 0 my soul, bless the Lord, and let 
all that is within thee praise his holy name. 
— 0 all ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord ; 
praise and glorify him forever. 0 all ye angels 
of the Lord, bless the Lord ; magnify, praise 
and glorify his holy name ; because I have found 
the beloved of my soul. Prostrate at his feet like 
the penitent Magdalen, I will embrace him in 
spirit and clasp him with the arms of inflamed 
love. And now, as I have actually received him 
on earth, may I not confidently hope for the per- 
fect possession of him in Heaven ! I can now 
fear no evil, because thou, 0 Lord, art with me 
as my powerful guardian and protector ! Give 
me, therefore, thy blessing, 0 beloved Jesus ! and 
M 2 



138 



DEVOUT PRAYERS 



establish an everlasting peace in my soul. Thou 
art the God of my heart, my portion and inheri- 
tance forever. Let nothing in future be my com- 
fort but thou, my Lord Jesus ! nor let any thing 
afflict me hereafter but my sins, and whatever is 
displeasing to thy Divine Majesty. 0 Soul of 
Christ, sanctify me — Body of Christ, save me — 
Blood of Christ, purify me — Water, issuing from 
the side of Christ, wash me — Passion of Christ, 
strengthen me. 0 good Jesus, graciously hear 
me — hide me within thy wounds — suffer me 
never to be separated from thee — call me at the 
hour of death, and command me to come to thee, 
that I may associate with the Saints and Angels, 
and the whole choir of celestial spirits, to sing 
forth canticles of praise and glory to thy holy 
name forever and ever, world without end. — 
Amen. 



THE FORM OF ADMISSION INTO THE SODALI- 
TIES OF OUR BLESSED LADY. 

Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God! I, JV. iV. this day 
choose thee for my mother, queen, patroness and advocate, 
and firmly resolve and purpose never to depart either by word 
or action from the duty I owe thee; or suffer those committed 
to my charge to say or do any thing against thy honour. Re- 
ceive me therefore as thy servant forever ; assist me in all the 
actions of my whole life, and forsake me not in the hour of my 
death. Amen. 

A Prayer to the Monthly Patron, said by the Associates 
of the Sodality in honour of our Blessed Lady. 

With one Our Father and Hail Mary. 
All merciful God! who on each month asslgrieth me, 
through thy infinite love, one of thy heavenly citizens as my 



TO OUR BLESSED LADY. 



139 



advocate and patron, graciously vouchsafe, that by the inter- 
cession of St. N. whom thy goodness has appointed to be my 
example and protector during this month, that I and 2V. as 
also iV. JY. (mention the person or persons for whom you 
pray) may feel an augmentation of thy grace, and being for- 
tified with the same, may steadfastly exercise the virtue of 
JV. which his example teaches and inspires, through Christ 
our Lord. — Amen. 



THE LITANY OF OUR LADY OF LORETTO. 



Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on u». 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy or. us. 
Holy Mary, 
Holy Mother of God, 
Holy Virgin of Virgins, 
Mother of Christ, 
Mother of divine grace, 
Mother most pure, 
Mother most chaste, 
Mother undefiled, 
Mother untouched, 
Mother most amiable, 
Mother most admirable, 
Mother of our Creator, 
Mother of our Redeemer, 
Virgin most prudent, 
Virgin most venerable, 
Virgin most renowned, 
Virgin most powerful, 
Virgin most merciful, 
Virgin most faithful, 
Mirror of Justice, 



14U 



DEVOUT PRAYERS 



Seat of Wisdom, 
Cause of our Joy, 
Spiritual Vessel, 
Vessel of Honour, 
Vessel of singular Devotion, 
Mystical Rose, 
Tower of David, 
Tower of Ivory, 
House of Gold, 
Ark of the Covenant, 
Gate of Heaven, 
Morning Star, 
Health of the Weak, 
Refuge of Sinners, 
Comforter of the Afflicted, 
Help of Christians, 
Queen of Angels, 
Queen of Patriarchs, 
Queen of Prophets, 
Queen of Apostles, 
Queen of Martyrs, 
Queen of Confessor^ 
Queen of Virgins, 
Queen of all Saints, 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare 
us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, gra- 
ciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Our Father, &c. 



Anthem. 

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God ! despise 
not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all dan- 
gers, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. 



TO OUR BLESSED LADY. 



141 



V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God ! 
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Defend, we beseech thee, O Lord! by the intercession of 
the blessed and ever Virgin Mary, this thy family from all ad- 
versity ; and as with our whole heart we lie prostrate before 
thee, mercifully protect us from the snares of our enemies, 
through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

O Almighty Eternal God ! who didst prepare the body and 
soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, that by the co-operation of 
the Holy Ghost, she might become a worthy dwelling for thy 
Son j grant, that as we rejoice in her commemoration, so by 
her pious intercession we may be delivered both from present 
evils and everlasting death, through the same Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Grant, O Lord God ! we beseech thee, that we thy servants 
may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and that by the 
glorious intercession of the ever blessed Virgin Mary, we may 
be delivered from present sorrows, and possess everlasting joys, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Bestow on thy servants, we beseech thee, O Lord ! the o-ift 
of heavenly grace, that the solemnity (or commemoration) of 
the blessed Virgin's conception may be an increase of peace 
to those who, by her faithfulness, found the beginning of sal- 
vation, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Devout Prayers to our Blessed Lady for Satur- 
day, or on any other occasion. 

(a PRACTICE MADE USE OF BY ST. MECHTILDIS.) 

Hail Mary, fyc. 

0 holy Mary ! our sovereign Queen ! as God 
the Father by his omnipotence has made thee 



142 



DEVOUT PRAYERS. 



most powerful, do assist us at the hour of our death, 
by defending us against all power contrary to 
thine. Hail Mary, fyc. 

0 holy Mary, our sovereign Queen ! as God 
the Son has endowed thee with so much know- 
ledge and splendour, that it enlightens all Heaven, 
so in the hour of our death, illumine and strength- 
en our souls with the knowledge of the true faith, 
that they be not perverted by error or pernicious 
ignorance. Hail JWary, fyc. 

0 holy Mary, our sovereign Queen ! as the 
Holy Ghost has plentifully replenished thee with 
the love of God, so instil into us at the hour of 
our death the sweetness of divine love, that all 
bitterness at that time may become acceptable 
and pleasant to us. u Our Blessed Lady herself, 
taught St. JMechtildis the above mentioned triple 
salutation, promising her certain assistance for it 
at the hour of her death" 

PRAYER OF ST. BERNARD TO THE 
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

Remember, 0 most pious Virgin Mary ! that 
no one ever had recourse to thy protection, im- 
plored thy help, or sought thy mediation, without 
obtaining relief. Confiding, then, on thy good- 
ness and mercy, I cast myself at thy sacred feet, 
and do most humbly supplicate thee, 0 Mother of 
the eternal World ! to adopt me as thy child, arid 
take upon thyself the care of my salvation. O 
let it not be said, my dearest Mother ! that I have 



PRAYER OF ST. BERNARD. 



143 



peiished where no one ever found but grace and 
salvation. Amen. 

N. B. This prayer has been found to have been 
beneficial to thousands. It is recommended that 
young persons and others ivoidd learn it by 
heart, and with sincerity often repeat it. 

THE ANGELUS DOMINI. 

1. The angel of our Lord declared unto Mary, 
and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail 
JWary, fyc. 

2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord : May it 
be done unto me according to thy word. Hail 
Mary, fyc. 

3. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt 
amongst us. Hail JWary, fyc. 

Let us pray. 

Pour forth, we beseech thee, 0 Lord ! thy 
grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incar- 
nation of Christ thy Son was made known by the 
message of an Angel, may by his passion and 
cross, be brought to the glory of his resurrection, 
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The humble Petition of a Sinner exposed by his 
crimes to eternal misery. 

0 most sacred Virgin, Mother of God, im- 
pressed with a sense of thy great dignity, and 
knowing that no creature approaches nearer than 
thyself to the incomprehensible perfections of 



144 



DEVOUT PRAYERS 



thy divine Son, so there is none that comes nearei 
to him in that of mere y.— Succour me, I beseech 
thee, a poor forlorn wretch, in this deplorable 
state of my afflicted soul, and rescue me by thy 
powerful intercession from the deep abyss of sin 
and danger of eternal damnation, which I have so 
often deserved. I know how much thou interest- 
est thyself in the glory of thy beloved Son, and 
how much thou desirest the salvation of man, that 
the fruit of the sacred blood of Jesus may daily 
increase. Confiding in thy maternal tenderness 
towards sinners redeemed with the sacred blood 
of Christ, I earnestly implore thy mediation be- 
fore the throne of thy divine Son. 0 sacred 
Virgin ! view his painful life, his precious blood 
and bitter death for sinners, and refuse me not 
the assistance of thy prayers. How bitter is the 
thought, to be condemned forever to the flames 
of hell, never to behold thy face and that of my 
God, which illumines the heavenly Jerusalem, 
and to have both him and thee as enemies for a 
miserable eternity! Grant, 0 merciful Lord! 
this may never be — and thou, 0 amiable Mother ! 
deliver me by thy powerful intercession from the 
eternal death of the wicked, and obtain that the 
dismal sentence of the reprobate, may never be 
pronounced against me. Let the weakness oj 
my nature, the power of my passions, together 
with the malice of my enemies, both visible and 
invisible, engage thy charitable aid in my behalf 
On my own part, I pretend no title to the favour 
of my Redeemer, for I have made a criminal use 
of his greatest blessings in my repeated crimes. 
Let my deliverance from these sins, and eternal 



DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH. 



145 



damnation, be owing to thy merciful intercession, 
the superabundant merits of my Redeemer, his 
wounds and propitiatory death. By him thou 
wast appointed to be my advocate and Mother. 
Be, then, to me a Mother ; plead in my behalf, 
and my wearied soul shall find rest. Ah, dear 
Mother, abandon me not to the cruelty of my ene- 
mies, succour me in temptation, and conduct my 
soul in security to eternal happiness. Obtain 
that I may never sin mortally, that I may cou- 
rageously support the miseries and afflictions of 
this life, and faithfully serve my Creator and Re- 
deemer to the end, and may be found worthy to 
be admitted to the never-ending joys of the Saints. 
Amen. 



A VOTIYE OBLATION TO ST. JOSEPH, 

To choose him for oar Patron. 

0 Holy Joseph, virgin spouse of the virgin 
Mother of God, most glorious advocate of all 
such as are in danger, or in their last agony* and 
most faithful protector of all the servants of Mary, 
thy dearest spouse, I, JY. JST. in the presence of 
Jesus and Mary, do from this moment choose 
thee for my lord and master, for my powerful pa- 
tron and advocate for the obtaining a most happy 
death, and I firmly resolve and purpose never to 
forsake thee, and never to say or do any thing 
against thy honour. Receive me, therefore, foi 
thy constant servant, and recommend me to the 

N 



146 



DEVOTION TO 



constant protection of Mary, thy dearest spouse, 
and to the everlasting mercies of Jesus my Sa- 
viour ; assist me in all the actions of my life, all 
which I now offer to the greater and everlasting 
glory of Jesus and Mary, as well as thine own. 
Never, therefore, forsake me, and whatsoever 
grace thou seest most necessary and profitable, 
obtain it for me now and at the hour of my death, 
to which I now invite thee, to the end, that what- 
ever now and at that time shall not be possible 
for me to obtain, may through thy intercession be 
bestowed upon me by Jesus the God of my soul. 
Jimen. 



THE LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. « 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Jesus, receive our prayers. 
Lord Jesus, grant our petition. 

O God the Father, creator of the world, have mercy on us, 
O God the Son, redeemer of mankind, have mercv on us. 
Holy Ghost, perfector of the elect, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 
Holy Mary, spouse of S. Joseph, 
S. Joseph, advocate of the humble, 
S. Joseph, blessed amongst men, 
S. Joseph, confirmed in grace, 
S. Joseph, defender of the meek, 
S. Joseph, exiled with Christ into Egypt, 
S. Joseph, favourite of the King of heaven, 
S. Joseph, guardian of the Word incarnate, 
S. Joseph, honoured amongst men, 
S. Joseph, model of humility and obedience, 
S. Joseph, kind intercessor of the afflicted, 
S. Joseph, lily of chastity and temperance, 
S. Joseph, mirror of silence and resignation, 



v ^ 

i 



ST. JOSEPH. 



147 



S. Joseph, nursing Father to the Son of God, 

S. Joseph, obsequious servant to the Son of Mary, 

S. Joseph, patron of the industrious and innocent, 

S. Joseph, quintescence of all virtue, ( ^ 

S. Joseph, ruler of the family of Jesus, I 

S. Joseph, spouse of the ever blessed Virgin, c 

S. Joseph, theatre of all glorious privileges, 

S. Joseph, union of all Christian perfections, j 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 

spare us, O Lord. 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 

hear us, O Lord. 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 

have mercy on us. 

V. Pray for us, O holy St. Joseph, 

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Assist us, O Lord ! we beseech thee, by the 
merits of the spouse of thy most holy Mother, 
that what our endeavours cannot obtain, may be 
given us by his intercession, who livest and reign- 
est with God the Father in the unity of the Holy 
Ghost, world without end. Amen. 



SEVEN PRAYERS, CONTAINING THE SEVEN DO 
LOURS AND JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH. 

The first prayer. 

Chaste spouse of the most immaculate Mo- 
ther of Jesus ! holy Joseph ! how great was thj 
grief, when ignorant of the mystery and co-opera 
tion of the Holy Ghost in that sublime mystery, 
thou perceived st the pregnancy of thy beloved 



148 



DEVOTION TO 



spouse, and on that account hadst thoughts of 
leaving her ! By this thy grief, and by the un- 
speakable joy thou hadst when the Angel of God 
opened to thee the mystery of the incarnation of 
the eternal Word ; pray for us, that endeavouring 
to advance thy honour and worship through the 
whole world, we may by God's holy grace over- 
come all affliction and dejection of mind in this 
life, and in the other, become a fit mansion of the 
Holy Ghost for all eternity. Amen. 
Our Father* Hail Mary. 

The second prayer. 

O thrice happy Joseph, foster Father of 
Jesus, by the great grief that pierced thy heart, 
when thou didst contemplate this beloved infant 
lying in the manger, weeping and shivering with 
cold, and by the great joy thou receivedst in be- 
holding the holy Angels adoring and honouring 
him with their heavenly music, and in seeing the 
three Kings prostrate before him, and offering him 
three rich presents ; pray for us, 0 great Saint, to 
the end that our souls may become a fit mansion 
for our dear Saviour, and that we may lodge and 
keep him always therein, even to the last moment 
of our lives, that then we may find and enjoy 
him in Heaven, in the midst of his everlasting 
glory. Amen. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

The third prayer. 

O great Joseph, a man according to God's, 
own heart ! by the grief thou didst feel at the cir- 



ST. JOSEPH. 



149 



cumcision of the tender infant Jesus, shedding 
his most precious blood, and by the joy thou hadst 
in giving him the sweet name of Jesus, according 
to the revelation which the Angel had made to 
thee ; pray foi us to thy blessed Son, that we may 
be washed and purified with his most precious 
blood, and always bear his name imprinted in our 
hearts. Amen. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

The fourth prayer. 

0 most glorious Joseph, and prudent servant 
of God ! by the great grief that wounded and 
pierced thy afflicted heart, when thou didst hear 
from the mouth of Simeon, that the soul of thy 
dear spouse was to be pierced with a sword, and 
by the joy thou hadst, when thou heard st from the 
same Simeon, that Jesus was designed for the 
Resurrection and Salvation of mankind ; pray for 
us, to the end, that we may so partake in the sor- 
row of the Mother, as to be hereafter partakers 
of the joy and happiness of her beloved Son 
Jesus. Amen. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

The fifth prayer. 

0 pious comforter of the Mother of God ! by 
the dolours and anxieties thou didst undergo in thy 
flight into Egypt, and by the joy thou receivedst, 
when at thy arrival thou didst see the idols fall to 
the ground, as not being able to suffer the pre- 
sence of thy divine Jesus ; pray for us, I beseech 
N 2 



150 



DEVOTION TO 



thee, that flying the dangers of all terrene and in- 
ordinate inclinations, we may one day rejoice to 
see all the black idols of our sins entirely cast 
down and destroyed in our souls. Amen. 
Our Father. Hail JVIa7*y. 

The sixth prayer. 

0 most chaste and vigilant guardian of Mary ? 
the Virgin of Virgins ! by thy great perplexity, 
when being called out of Egypt, thou didst hear 
that Archelaus the son of Herod was made King, 
who was no less cruel and bloody than his father ; 
and by the great joy that possest thy heart, when 
the Angel bid thee not fear, because all were dead 
that sought his life ; pray for us, that we may so 
live in the midst of this Egypt, a sinful world, 
that one day we may deserve to be called to the 
heavenly land of promise. Amen. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. 

The seventh prayer. 

O merciful Joseph ! who is able to conceive 
the sensible sorrow and extreme grief thou suf- 
feredst when thou hadst lost the child Jesus ; and 
on the other side, who is able to express the joy 
and extreme satisfaction wherewith thy heart was 
replenished when thou foundest him in the midst 
of the Doctors ! We humbly beseech thee by this 
inconceivable sadness and joy, that we may never 
lose our most amiable Jesus, or if we ever be so 
unhappy as to lose him, make us feel such a true 
and lively sorrow with thee, that we may so care- 
fully seek him, as soon to find him with so great 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIU3. 



151 



and sensible a comfort, that our only care for the 
future may be always to keep him, never to lose 
him any more. Amen. 
Our Father. Hail Mary 

" I choose thee, glorious St. Joseph, for my Patron, 
(writes St. Theresa in the sixth chapter of her life) and I 
commend myself in all things singularly to his intercession. I 
do not remember ever to have asked God any thing by his 
means, which I did not obtain. I never knew any one, who 
by invoking him, did not advance exceedingly in virtue, for he 
assists in a wonderful manner, ail who address themselves to 
him." 



THE LITANY OF ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. 
Holy Mary, 
Holy Father Ignatius, 

S. Francis Xaverius, most worthy son of S. Ignatius, 
S. Francis Xaverius, Apostle of the Indies, 
S. Francis Xaverius, evangelizing peace, 
S. Francis Xaverius, evangelizing all good, 
Vessel of election, carrying the name of Jesus be- 
fore Gentiles, 

Vessel full of divine grace, 
Firmament of the oriental Church, 
Defender of the faith, 
Enemy of infidelity, 
Preacher of evangelical truth, 



152 



DEVOTION TO 



Destroyer of Idols, 

Chosen instrument of the eternal Father for the pro- 
pagation of divine glory, 

Faithful follower and companion of Jesus Christ, 

Trumpet of the Holy Ghost, 

Pillar of the Church of God, 

Light of infidels, 

Master of the Faithful, 

Mirror of true piety, 

Guide in the way of virtue and perfection, 
Pattern of apostolical spirit and sanctity, 
Light of the blind, 
Curer of the lame, 

Helper of those that suffer shipwreck, 
Health of the sick, 

Protector in time of plague, famine, and war, from 
whom the devils fly, 
Life of the dead, 

Whose power the sea and tempests obey, 

Whose command the sea and all elements reverence, 

Wonderful worker of miracles, 

Refuge of the miserable, 

Comfort of the afflicted, 

Splendor of the East, 

Tabernacle of incorruption, 

Treasurer of divine love, 

Glory of the society of Jesus, 

Xaverius most poor, 

Xaverius most chaste, 

Xaverius most obedient, 

Xaverius most humble, 

Xaverius most desirous of the cross and labours of 
Christ, 

Xaverius most vigilant in the safety of your neighbour, 
Xaverius most zealous of God's glory, and the good 
of souls, 

Angel in life and manners, 

Patriarch in affection, and care of God's people, 

Prophet in gift and spirit, 

Apostle in dignity and merit, 

Doctor of Gentiles in all sorts of languages, 

Martyr in desiring to die for Christ, 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 



153 



Confessor in virtue and profession of life, pray for us. 
Virgin in body and mind, pray for us. 

In whom we reverence through the divine goodness the merits 
of all Saints, pray for us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare 
us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, gra- 
ciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us, O Lord. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Our Father, fyc. 

V, Pray for us, S. Francis Xaverius. 

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. 

Lord God, who hast vouchsafed by the preach- 
ing and miracles of S. Francis Xaverius. to join 
unto thy Church the countries of the Indies, grant 
propitiously, we beseech thee, that reverencing 
his glorious merits, we may also imitate his ex- 
ample. Through Christ our Lord. — Amen. 



THE MANNER OF PERFORMING THE NOVENA ; 
OR THE NINE DAYS DEVOTION TO ST. FRAN- 
CIS XAVERIUS. 

This Novena commences on the fourth of March, and 
continues nine days ; that is, till the twelfth of March, upon 
which day, in the year 1622, Pope Gregory the XV. canoniz- 
ed St. Francis Xaverius. The persons, who perform this 
Novena, are to be employed upon each of the nine days in 
prayer and good works to the glory of Almighty God, and in 



154 



DEVOTION TO 



honour of his servant St. Francis Xaverius ; always endea- 
vouring to repose an entire confidence in the merits of thb 
Apostle, and hoping through his means to obtain from Cod, 
whatsoever they shall ask, provided it be conducive to tlirii 
salvation and the good of their souls ; or that otherwise, in- 
stead of that blessing, which they beg, and which is not for 
their benefit, this Saint will obtain for them of God some other 
grace they do not ask, and which tends more to their eternal 
felicity. 

For the exact performance of this Novena, they are to take 
for their advocates the nine choirs of heavenly spirits, making 
particular mention of the principal virtues of S. Francis Xa- 
verius, and they are to observe other directions which shall be 
given hereafter. It will be convenient to confess and commu- 
nicate the first day, that so the soul being cleansed from sin 
and honoured with the sacred Eucharist, all the works we per- 
form in the state of grace, may be meritorious of eternal life, 
and the more efficacious towards obtaining the benefit we ask. 
Those who do not confess, must at least begin every day with 
an Act of Contrition to cleanse their souls from sin, and to se- 
cure themselves of obtaining their petition. 

When this Novena is not performed in the Church with the 
general concourse of the people, it were convenient, that if it 
be done in a private house, all the family should join in per- 
forming it all together, begging that of God for every one, 
which each apart begs for himself. 

For the conveniency of such as stand in need of farther di- 
rection, we will here set down those prayers, that are proper 
to be said every day ; nevertheless, such as are more devout, 
may beg the same thing of the Saint in such terms and lan- 
guage, as their devotion shall dictate, and may direct their 
prayer as they think fit. When many together perform the 
Novena, one of them may read the prayers, changing the sin- 
gular number into the plural, and saying: we desire, we beg, 
4~c. The others maji repeat the prayer after him, or else only 
hear it with attention, inwardly desiring and begging that which 
is asked in it. 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 



155 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXACT PERFORMING 
OF THE NOVENA. 

Those who perform the Novena, are to observe these in- 
structions upon all, and each of the nine days. First, they 
aie to endeavour to imitate some one of this Saint's virtues, by 
practising some exterior act, or acts thereof; as for instance, 
his zeal, humility, patience, &c. Secondly, they are to do 
some work of mercy, either spiritual or corporeal, for the be- 
nefit of their neighbour ; as giving of alms, visiting the sick, 
or those that are in prison, comforting the afflicted, praying for 
the souls in purgatory, or for those that are in the state of mor- 
tal sin, &c. Thirdly, They are to offer up for this end some 
particular mortification, as fasting, wearing of haircloth, disci- 
plining, using themselves with less tenderness, &c. Fourthly, 
They are to curb their senses, their eyes, their ears, and their 
tongues, endeavouring to avoid even the least of sins. Fifth- 
ly, They are to read some chapter or page of the life of this 
Saint ; or meditate awhile upon some one of his virtues with 
an earnest desire to imitate them. Sixthly, They are to en- 
deavour for the glory of God to excite some person to bear de- 
votion to this Saint. Seventhly, It will be convenient they 
every day invoke the intercession of some one rank of the 
Saints, as they do of the choirs of Angels, to the end, that 
their advocates and intercessors being multiplied (as the 
church expresses it) they may the more readily obtain what 
they ask. The classes of Saints may be divided into patri- 
archs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, bishops, doctors, priests, 
religious, confessors, virgins, and other saints in Heaven. For 
the more effectual prevailing with St. Francis Xaverius, it 
will be convenient every day, to make a special commemora- 
tion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, w T hom St. Francis Xaverius ho- 
noured, respected and loved as his father, master and superior. 

Upon one of the nine days, the person performing this de- 
votion, must confess and communicate, making a most diligent 
preparation to please God and St. Francis Xaverius, for the 
more ready obtaining of the thing desired. 

Such as cannot read may cause another to read these pray- 
ers to them, they giving great attention to them, and offering 
them up to St. Francis ; or instead thereof, they may say ten 
times the Lord's Prayer, ten Hail Marys, and ten times 



156 



THE NOVENA TO 



Glory be to the Father, §*c. in memory of the ten years that 
St. Francis Xaverius spent in preaching in the Indies ; beg- 
ging of the Saint whatsoever they desire, and praying as hfi 
<iid for the conversion of Infidels. 

Though the properest time for performing this Novena be 
from the fourth of March to the twelfth, which is the day & 
the canonization of St. Francis Xaverius j yet it may be per- 
formed at any other time of the year. 

How much the devotion of this Novena daily spreads, is 
well known ; on this account St. Francis has obtained favours 
for several persons, as they themselves testify. In the yea* 
1688, it was performed at Madrid with extraordinary solem- 
nity, in the royal chapel of the palace, their Catholic Majes- 
ties being every day there present. 

THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOVENA. 

The 'person performing this devotion kneeling be- 
fore an altar, or the image of St. Francis Xa- 
verius, shall lift up his heart to God, and pro- 
foundly humbling himself in spirit, and offering 
up all his prayers, thoughts and words, to his 
glory, in honour of the blessed Virgin JVLary, 
St. Francis Xaverius, and all the Angels and 
Saints in Heaven, he shall make the sign of the 
Cross, and say the following Prayer. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, 
my Creator and Redeemer ! for thy sake alone, 
and because I love thee above all things, I am 
sorry from the bottom of my heart for having of- 
fended thee ; and I do firmly purpose, never to 
fall into sin again, to confess my sins, and perform 
the penance that shall be enjoined me, and to 
make restitution and satisfaction, wherever it shall 
be due from me. For the love of thee I forgive 
all my enemies ; to thee I offer up my life, ac- 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 



157 



tions and sufferings, in satisfaction for my sins ; 
and since I humbly beg it of thee, I trust in thy 
goodness and infinite mercy, that thou wilt forgive 
me them through the merits of thy precious blood 
and passion, and will give me grace to amend my 
life, and to persevere in thy service unto my 
death. Amen. 

Most glorious St. Francis Xaverius, Apostle 
of the Indies ! if it be for the glory of God, and 
to thy honour, that I obtain what I desire and beg 
by performing this Novena, obtain for me this 
grace of our Lord ; if not, guide my petition, and 
beg of our Lord for me, that which is most pro- 
per for his glory, and the benefit of my soul. 

The following Prayer changes on each day of the 
Novena, as noted page 159. 

A prayer for the first day. 

0 God and Lord of the Angels ! whom thou 
dost intrust with the guardianship of men, I make 
thee an offering of all the merits of these heaven- 
ly spirits, and those of thy servant St. Francis 
Xaverius, who was called an Angel for his purity ; 
and because he preserved men from many spiri- 
tual and corporal dangers. I beseech thee, grant 
me that purity of soul and body, which thou didst 
confer on this thy holy Apostle, and that particu- 

ar grace, which I beg in this JYovena to thy 

greater honour and glory. Amen. 

Here say thrice the Lord's Prayer, and three 
Tail Marys, and then the following Prayer to St. 
? rancis Xaverius. 

o 



158 



THE NOVENA TO 



Most holy Father, St. Francis Xaverius ! who 
receivest thy praises from the mouths of innocent 
children ; I most humbly implore thy bountiful 
charity for the sake of the most precious blood oi 
Jesus, and of the immaculate conception of our 
blessed Lady, Mother of G od ; to the end thou 
mayest obtain of God's infinite goodness, that at 
the approach of my last hour, my heart may be 
separated and withdrawn from all worldly thoughts 
and distractions, and be fixed in the most ardent 
love of him, and a vehement desire of a happy 
eternity ; so that laying aside the multiplicity of 
earthly things, which hitherto have perplexed me, 
I may most diligently seek, and perfectly find that 
one thing which is necessary, which is to die and 
rest in peace under the protection of the most 
holy Virgin Mary, in the wounds of Jesus her 
most blessed Son, in the sweet embraces of my 
God, and in thy presence, holy Saint, through 
whose intercession I hope to obtain this mercy. 
But yet, whilst it shall please the divine provi- 
dence to preserve my life, I beseech thee, my 
most loving protector and most affectionate fa- 
ther, to obtain for me of his divine Majesty, that 
I may live as I would wish to have lived at the 
hour of my death ; imitating thy virtues, and ful- 
filling the most holy will of God ; that so my 
temporal death may be to me a passage into life 
everlasting ; I also beseech thee to obtain for me 
that which I ask in this Novena, if it be for the 
glory of God and good of my soul. Amen. 

In the next plate, you are to ash St. Francis Xa- 
verius the particular favour you desire to obtain f 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 



1139 



heightening as much as in you is, your confix 
dence in him, with such words as your affection- 
ate thoughts shall suggest, or with such aspira- 
tions, as your devotion shall dictate. 

Then, the more to please this holy Jlpostle, in imi- 
tation of him, say that Prayer, which he him- 
self composed, and used to say every day for the 
conversion of Infidels, which is as follows. 

Eternal God, creator of all things! remem- 
ber that thou alone didst create the souls of infi- 
dels, framing them to thy own image and likeness : 
Behold, 0 Lord, how to thy dishonour hell daily 
is replenished with them : Remember, 0 Lord, 
thy only Son Jesus Christ who suffered for them, 
most bountifully shedding his most precious 
blood : Suffer not, 0 Lord ! thy Son and our 
Lord to be any longer despised by Infidels ; but 
rather, being appeased by the entreaties and pray- 
ers of thy elect, the Saints, and of the Church, 
the most blessed spouse of thy Son, vouchsafe to 
be mindful of thy mercy, and forgetting their ido- 
latry and infidelity, cause them also to know him 
thou didst send, Jesus Christ thy Son and our 
Lord, who is our health, life and resurrection, 
through whom we are made free and saved, to 
whom be all glory forever. Amen. 

Then conclude with the prayer proper to this Saint, 
Jlntiph. 

Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; 
because ihou hast been faithful over a few things. 



160 



THE NOVENA TO 



I will place thee over many things ; enter into the 
joy of thy Lord. 

V. Our Lord hath guided the just man by right ways. 
R. And hath showed him the kingdom of God. 

The prayer. 

0 God ! who wast pleased to reduce to the bo 
som of thy Church, the nations of the Indies, 
through the preaching and miracles of St. Francis 
Xaverius, mercifully grant us, that we may imi- 
tate his virtues, whose glorious merits we hold in 
veneration. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



A COMMEMORATION OF ST. IGNATIUS OF 
LOYOLA. 

Antiph. 

This Man, despising the world, and triumph- 
ing over earthly things, heaped up riches in Hea- 
ven by word and work 

V. The Lord loved and adorned him. 

R. A garment of glory he hath put on him. 

The prayer. 

0 God ! who for the propagation of the greater 
glory of thy name, hast by blessed Ignatius, 
strengthened the church militant with new auxi- 
liaries ; graciously vouchsafe, that we by his as- 
sistance and imitation, solicitously combating 
upon earth, may obtain with him an everlasting 
crown in Heaven. 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 



361 



A COMMEMORATION OF ST. GREGORY THE 
GREAT, APOSTLE OF ENGLAND. 

Antiph. 

0 most excellent Doctor, light of the holy 
Church, blessed Gregory, lover of God's law, 
supplicate the Son of God for us. 

V. Thou art a Priest forever. 

R. According to the Order of Melchisedec. 

The prayer. 

0 God ! who hast bestowed the reward of 
eternal blessedness on the soul of thy servant 
Gregory, grant mercifully that we, who are de- 
pressed with the weight of our sins, may by his 
prayers be delivered from them. — Through our 
Lord. Amen. 

A prayer for the second Day. 

Lord God of the Archangels, whom thou dost 
entrust with the most weighty concerns of thy 
glory, and the benefit of men ; I offer up to thee 
the merits of these most diligent spirits, and 
those of thy great servant St. Francis Xaverius, 
whom thou madest the Minister of thy glory, and 
to whom thou recommendest the spiritual wel- 
fare of innumerable souls. I beseech thee, grant 
that I may perform those duties, which thy most 
holy and divine will hath imposed upon me, and 
also that I may obtain that particular grace, which 
I beg of thee in this JYovena, to thy greater honour 
and glory. Amen. 

o 2 



162 



THE NOVENA TO 



The third Day. 
Lord God of the Principalities ! who accord- 
ing to the disposition of thy divine will, by means 
of Angels and Archangels, takest care of the 
welfare of mankind, enlightening, instructing, 
and governing them ; I offer up to thee the merits 
of these most zealous spirits, and those of thy 
servant St. Francis Xaverius, who enlightened 
and converted many kingdoms and provinces, 
and in them innumerable souls not only by him- 
self, but by his disciples and followers, instruct- 
ing, teaching and commanding. I beseech thee, 
grant me the zeal of this holy Apostle, and the 
particular petition I tender in this JYovena, to thy 
greater honour and glory. 

The fourth Day. 
Lord God of the Powers ! who have a special 
prerogative to curb the infernal spirits : I offer 
up to thee the merits of these powers, and those 
of thy servant St. Francis Xaverius, to whom 
thou gavest singular power of expelling devib 
from bodies and souls. I beseech thee, grant 
me the grace to overcome all the temptations of 
the devil, and that which I beg of thee in this 
Novcna, to thy greater honour and glory. Amen. 

The fifth Day. 
Lord God of the Virtues, by whose means 
thou workest miracles and prodigies peculiar to 
thy sovereign power: I offer up to thee the me- 
rits of these most stupendous spirits, and those 
of thy servant St. Francis Xaverius, whom thou 



ST. FRANCIS XAVERIUS. 163 

madest a new Thaumaturgus, or worker of new 
and prodigious miracles ; renewing in him the 
signs and wonders of thy blessed Apostles, that 
he might discover the gospel to new nations. I 
beseech thee, grant me that profound humility 
wherewith St. Francis Xaverius, amidst so many 
miracles, sought thy glory and not his own ho- 
nour, as also that which 1 beg in this JYovena, to 
thy greater honour and glory. Amen. 

The sixth Day. 
Lord God of the Dominations, which preside 
over all inferior spirits as ministers of thy provi- 
dence, and submit themselves to thy will, being 
ever ready to fulfil it : I offer up to thee the 
merits of these excellent spirits, and those of 
St. Francis Xaverius, who though superior to 
many, yet humbly submitted himself to all supe- 
riors, in them acknowledging thy Majesty, and 
readily fulfilling their commands. I beseech 
thee, grant me a ready and perfect obedience to 
all my superiors, and that special petition which 
I make in this JVovena, to thy greater honour and 
glory. Amen. 

The seventh Day. 
Lord God of the Thrones, on whom thou re- 
posest as on the seat of thy glory, and chair of 
thy Majesty : I offer up to thee the merits of 
these supreme spirits, and those of St. Francis 
Xaverius, that throne of thy glory, that vessel of 
election to convey thy name to new nations, who 
denied himself to himself and to all worldly things, 
casting them out of his heart, that thou alone 



164 



DEMOTION TO 



might possess it. I beseech thee, grant that 1 
may despise all worldly things, and rest in thee 
alone ; grant me also the petition I make in this 
JYovena, to thy greater honour and glory. — 
Amen. 

The eighth Day. 
Lord God of the Cherubim, who are adorned 
with the most perfect wisdom : I offer up to thee 
the merits of these most knowing spirits, and 
those of thy servant St. Francis Xaverius, whom 
thou didst grace with supereminent wisdom, and 
to whom thou didst reveal most profound secrets, 
that he might teach thy law to many people and 
nations. I beseech thee, grant that I may learn 
to fear and please thee, which is true wisdom, 
and that by word and example I may teach 
others to keep thy Commandments ; and that 
thou wilt also grant me the favour I beg in this 
Nov ena, to thy greater honour and glory. — 
Amen. 

The ninth Day. 
Lord God of the Seraphim, who are inflamed 
with the most ardent love of thee ; I offer up to 
thee the merits of these most fervent spirits, and 
those of thy servant St. Francis Xaverius, who, 
like a Seraphim, was inflamed with thy love ; 
conquering innumerable hardships and dangers 
of his life, to please thee, and to make those 
know and love thee, who before offended thee 
and knew thee not. I beseech thee, grant that I 
may love thee, my only God and my Lord, and 
endeavour to bring all men to the knowledge and 



ST. IGNATIUS. 



165 



love of thee ; ana, also, that thou wilt grant me 
that which I ask in this Novena, to thy greater 
honour and glory. Amen. 



DEVOTION TO ST. IGNATIUS, FOUNDER OF THE 
SOCIETY OF JESUS. 

THE LITANY OP ST. IGNATIUS. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Christ, hear us. 
Christ, graciously hear us. 
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 
Holy Trinity one God, have mercy on us. 
St. Ignatius, founder of the society of Jesus, pray for us. 
Inflamed with divine love, 
Promoter of the conversion of the world, 
Zealous for the greater glory of God, 
Dead to the world through the spirit of mortification, 
Conqueror of all perverse inclinations, 
Despiser of the world, 
Zealous instructor of youth, 
Support of Christ's Church against her enemies, 
Antagonist of heretical errors, 
Father of converted sinners, 
Perfect follower of Jesus Christ, 
Lover of voluntary poverty, 
Lover of angelical purity, 
Master of perfect obedience, 
Born again to divine love, 
Rapt in contemplation, 
Mirror of humility, 
Lover of fraternal charity, 




166 



DEVOTION TO 



h 

i ° 

* 



Promoter of peace among men, 
Singular for peace of mind, 

Enemy of sin, ! *3 

Perfect model of a religious life, 
Little before men, and great before God, 
Lover of heavenly glory, 
Be merciful unto us, O Lord. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord. 
We sinners beseech thee to hear us. 
That we may refer all we do, to thy honour and glory, 
That we may be re-born to a better life, 
That we may die to the flesh and the world, 
That we may subdue our passions and vicious inclina- 
tions, 

That we shun sin as a plague, 
That we may detest all pride, 
That we may love purity, 

That we may promote the instruction of youth, 
That we may learn to despise earthly goods, 
That we may be true followers of Christ, 
That we may bear patiently the loss of all temporal 
goods. 

That we may exercise purity and modesty on all occa- 
sions, 

That we may cordially esteem the commandments of 
God and our superiors, 

That we may ever cultivate brotherly love, 

That we be little in this world, and great in heaven, 

That we may ever seek after eternal goods, 

Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare 
us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, gra- 
ciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Our Father, $c. 



ST. IGNATIUS. 



167 



Vers. Pray foi us, St. Ignatius. 

Resp. That we may be made worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 

Let us pray. 
0 God ! who for the propagation of the great- 
er glory of thy name, hast by blessed Ignatius 
strengthened the church militant with new auxili- 
aries ; graciously vouchsafe that we by his assis- 
tance and imitation, solicitously combating up- 
on earth, may obtain with him an everlasting 
crown in Heaven, who liveth and reigneth world 
without end. Amen. 



NOVENA TO ST. IGNATIUS, FOUNDER OF THE 
SOCIETY OF JESUS, 

Before you begin the prayers of this JYovejia, 
first make an act of the presence of God, and 
disengage your mind as far as possible from 
all worldly concerns and distractions ; then 
most profoundly humbling yourself lift up your 
heart to God in adoration of the most blessed 
Trinity, and making the sign of the Cross, say 
the following Prayer. 

Lord God of Heaven and Earth! who art 
the beginning and end of all created things ! Be- 
hold me in thy divine presence, who am nothing 
but a wretched miserable sinner : yet, O eternal 
Lord ! I am still the work of thy sacred hands ; 
not indeed made wretched by thee, but brought 
to this wretchedness and misery through the 
malice of the devil, the deceitful vanities of the 



16S 



THE NOVENA 



world, and the allurements of the flesh — this de- 
plorable state of sin has deprived me of those 
great favours, thy mercy had prepared for the sup- 
port of those, who should love and fear thee. 
And just it is, 0 great God ! that thou shouldst 
withhold from me whatever thou didst intend for 
my support and comfort. This, 0 Lord ! I ac- 
knowledge and confess. My infidelities and sins 
call forcibly on thy divine Majesty to arise and 
confound me. Against thee, O Lord ! I have 
sinned ; my evils have been committed in thy 
sight. All the abominations of my life, are laid 
open to thy all-seeing eye. 

But wretched and miserable as I am, I still see 
thy bleeding wounds, O dearest Redeemer ! 
pleading for me and turning from my guiity soul 
the wrath of thy eternal Father ; wresting from 
his divine justice a promise of pardon to all who 
will sincerely repent and return to their duty. 
Prostrated, therefore, at the foot of thy Cross, 0 
bountiful Redeemer ! I offer to thee a heart filled 
with sorrow and repentance for the many grievous 
sins of my past life. — Oh! make this sorrow such 
as thou wouidst have it. View the wounds of thy 
blessed body, which let out the last drop of thy 
sacred blood for me ! Ptemember thy love and 
thy desire for my salvation, and grant the sincere 
petition of my heart ! Let my heart love thee 
and detest all sin and infidelity for the love oil 
thee. Let my heart be nailed in affection and 
love to thy holy Cross, and remain forever with 
thee, that I may make some reparation for my 
many and grievous offences. Grant me this fa- 



TO ST. IGNATIUS. 



169 



vour at present, 0 my God ! and extend it to the 
hour of my death. Amen. 

0 glorious St. Ignatius ! chosen in the designs 
of God from eternity, to be the founder of his 
much beloved society, and the father of innumer- 
able saints ; vouchsafe to pray for me, and guide 
my petition in this JYovena, that I may ask no- 
thing but what is to the greater honour and glory 
of Almighty God, and the good of my soul; at 
least obtain for me, and for all now walking in ig- 
norance and the shades of death, light and salva- 
tion through the sacred wounds of Jesus Christ 
our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 

Here say three times our Father, Hail Mary, 
and as often, Glory be to the Father, &c. in ho- 
nour of the Blessed Trinity. Then say the fol- 
lowing Prayer. 

Most holy and undivided Trinity ! thee I adore 
with all the powers and affections of my soul ; in 
thee I acknowledge my God, my Creator, my 
Lord, my Redeemer, the source of all pious de- 
sires, heavenly love, and happiness : I humbly 
prostrate myself before the throne of thy glory. 
I rejoice from my soul, that this divine mystery of 
the Unity and Trinity of God is acknowledged, 
received, and adored by man. Praise and glory 
be given to thee, most sacred Trinity, who hast 
communicated this knowledge to the world, by 
thy chosen servants. Blessed be the eternal Fa- 
ther, who has made choice of his faithful servant 
Ignat'mSj as a fit instrument to propagate his 
? 




170 



THE N OVEN A. 



glory, and spread the knowledge of divine mys- 
teries through the whole world. Blessed be God 
the Son, who was pleased to communicate to Ig- 
natius the fruit and virtue of his passion and cross, 
in order to make him a worthy founder of his be- 
loved society. Blessed be the Holy Ghost, who 
did impart to the heart of Ignatius, that divine 
love and heroical fortitude, by which he overcame 
the world, the flesh, and the devil. Most sacred 
Trinity ! be thou adored, and thanked, by all thy 
creatures, both in Heaven and on earth, for all 
eternity. Amen. 

0 blessed Ignatius ! by those great and singu- 
lar favours, which it has pleased God in his boun- 
ty to bestow on thee ; by thy zeal and desire for 
the salvation of thy neighbour, permit thy humble 
client to beg thy powerful assistance. Obtain of 
God's infinite goodness that my heart in its affec- 
tions and motions, may ever be guided by that 
sound doctrine, which thou, by following the dic- 
tates of Heaven, hast preached to the world, and 
thereby brought salvation to thousands. It is to 
thee I owe, in part, the knowledge of God, and 
my Christian duty. 0 most affectionate Father ! 
permit not that the effect of thy prayers and toils 
should cease in our regard. Thou hast begun 
through the labours of thy children, the work ot 
our salvation ; may I not confidently hope, that 
whatever thou askest of God will be granted us 1 
Behold ! how, to the dishonour of God, religion 
is contemned, ignorance, wickedness and sin pre- 
vail. Hell is crowded with innumerable souls ; 
the blood of an all-bountiful God lost — let all this, 
my loving protector, engage thy prayers in our 



TC ST. IGNATIUS. 



171 



behalf. Obtain for us that assistance from the 
Society of Jesus, which our sins have hitherto 
deprived us of. I also beseech thee to obtain for 
me, that particularly which I ask in this JYovena, 
if it be for the glory of God and good of my soul. 
Amen. 

Here mention the particular favour you desire, 
with an affectionate heart, and confidence in the 
Saint Then cast yourself in spirit at the foot of 
the Cross of Christ, humbly adore him Crucified 
for your Salvation, say with sincerity the following 
Prayer. 

My merciful God and loving Redeemer ! I be- 
seech thee, with as much humility and submission 
as possibly I am able, through thy tender mercy, 
through thy infinite love to sinners, through thy 
most precious blood shed for my salvation, 
through thy most excellent merits, together with 
those of thy blessed Mother ; that thou wouldst 
dispose and direct all our works to thy greater 
glory and service, and to the good of those souls, 
thou hast purchased at the dear rate of thy own 
sacred blood. — My dearest Saviour ! I pray thee 
to help, teach, and illuminate me, and them, 
through thy great bounty and goodness. — Re- 
ceive in our behalf the merits of thy faithful ser- 
vant Ignatius, his prompt obedience to the designs 
of Heaven ; hear likewise the prayers and sighs 
of all the blessed Saints, Martyrs and Confessors 
of thy beloved society ; they have all cried aloud 
to thee, 0 dearest Redeemer! " spare, 0 Lord! 
spare thy beloved people, deliver not thy posses- 



172 



DEVOTION TO ST. IGNATIUS. 



sion into the power of thy enemies." — Look on 
thy own mercy ; how great, 0 Lord ! is thy love 
for them ! how deep thy sacred wounds ! how 
copious the blood thou hast spilt for their redemp- 
tion ! My dear Lord Jesus Christ ! through thy 
most tender mercy, hear the prayers of these thy 
servants ; and permit me to offer to thee all the 
pains, tribulations, sufferings, and mortifications, 
all the apostolic labours of each, and every mem- 
ber of the society of Jesus. 0 good Jesus! 
hear their prayers for this abandoned and distress- 
ed country. Amen. 

In order to render the affections of your heart 
more like to those of St. Ignatius, make use of the 
following aspirations frequently during the nine 
days' devotion. 

0 Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of 
Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. 
Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Pas- 
sion of Christ, comfort me. 0 good Jesus, hear 
me. Hide me within thy wounds. Permit me 
not to be separated from thee. From the malice 
of my enemies defend me. At the hour of my 
death, call me. Command me to come to thee, 
that with thy saints, I may praise thee forever and 
ever. Amen. 

Conclude the Novena Prayers with the proper 
commemoration of the Saint. 

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, be- 
cause thou hast been faithful over a few things, I 



DEVOTION TO ST. ALOYSIUS. 173 



will place thee over many things, enter into the 
joy of thy Lord. 

Vers, Our Lord hath guided the just man by right ways. 
Resp. And hath showed him the kingdom of God. 

The prayer. 

0 God ! who for the propagation of the greater 
glory of thy name, hast, by blessed Ignatius, 
strengthened the church militant with new auxili- 
aries ; graciously vouchsafe, that we by his assist- 
ance and imitation, solicitously combating upon 
earth, may obtain with him an everlasting crown 
in Heaven, who liveth and reigneth world without 
end. Amen. 



DEVOTION TO SAINT ALOYSIUS. 

The Devout Client 1 s Address to St. Jlloysius. 

Angelical youth, Aloysius, by the particular 
appointment of God's Vicar upon earth, patron 
of those who apply to studies ; thou who hast 
illustrated the church by a holy contempt of an 
earthly principality, but more by the innocence of 
thy manners, sanctity of thy life, and glory of thy 
miracles ; allow me from this day to choose and 
adopt thee patron and protector of my life and 
studies, firmly resolved to follow the example and 
pattern, as well of piety, as of industry, thou 
hast set before me. For the love thou hast for 
Christ crucified, and his most blessed Mother, 
receive me as thy client and obedient servant, aid 
p 2 



174 



DEVOTION TO 



and assist me in the pursuit of virtue and learn- 
ing. Nourish and increase in me a purity of 
body and mind ; turn off the snares laid against 
my chastity ; ward and defend me against the 
dangers of the world ; inspire my heart with a 
true and filial confidence in the ever blessed Vir- 
gin Mary, the Mother of good counsel ; govern 
and direct me in my choice of a state of life, and 
let the grace of God be my perpetual defence 
against all mortal sin ; that as thou always livedst 
in a state of purity and integrity truly angelical, 
so assisted by thy patronage, and aided by the 
grace of God, I may live chastely and holily in 
this world, and deserve to be associated with thee 
and joined to the company of tho Angels in Hea 
ven. Amen. 



THE LITANY OF ST. ALOYSIUS. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity one God, have mercy on us. 

Holy Mary, 

Holy Mother of God, ^ 
Holy Virgin of Virgins, £ 
St. Abysius, I ^ 

Most beloved of Christ, ' 3 

The delight of the blessed Virgin, g 
Most chaste youth, 
Angelical youth, 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



J 75 



Most humble youth, 
Model of young students, 
Despiser of riches, 
Enemy of vanities, 
Scorner of honours, 
Honour of princes, 
Jewel of the nobility, 
Flower of innocence, 
Ornament of a religious state, 
Mirror of mortification, 
Mirror of perfect obedience, 
Lover of evangelical poverty, 
Most affectionately devout, 
Most zealous observer of the rules, 
Most desirous of the salvation of souls, 
Perpetual adorer of the Eucharist, 
Particular client of St. Ignatius, 
Be merciful unto us, O Lord. 
Graciously hear us, O Lord. 

From the concupiscence of the eyes, O Lord, deliver us. 
From the concupiscence of the flesh, O Lord, deliver us. 
From the pride of life, O Lord, deliver us. 
By the merits and intercession of St. Aloysius, O Lord, 
deliver us. 

By his angelical purity, O Lord, deliver us. 
By his sanctity and glory, O Lord, deliver us. 
We sinners beseech thee to hear us. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, spare 
as, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, gra- 
ciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy onus. 

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Our Father, §>c. 

V. Pray for us, St. Aloysius. 

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Chri&t. 



170 



DEVOTION TO 



Let us pray. 

0 God ! the distributer of heavenly gifts, who 
didst join in the angelical youth Aloysius, won- 
derful innocence of life with an equal severity of 
penance ; grant through his merits and prayers, 
that we, who have not followed the example of 
his innocence, may imitate his practice of pe- 
nance, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

After the canonization of the angelical youth Aloysius, 
which was decreed by his holiness Benedict XIII. with a 
particular view, among many other laudable motives, to offer 
to the imitation and veneration, especially of young per- 
sons, a youth most conspicuous for his innocence of life ; 
the younger persons were not the only votaries of a Saint, 
who seemed to be appointed their peculiar patron : the devo- 
tion soon became general, and common to all. In order to 
promote and encourage the same by the concurrence of the 
apostolic see, Clement XII. extended the plenary indul- 
gence granted by his predecessor to any one, who on his feast 
should visit his altar ; to those also, who should pray before 
an altar, where his feast happened to be kept. 

" Heaven seemed to give its sanction to this zeal of the 
faithful, by frequent and wonderful favours granted and ob- 
tained through his powerful intercession, and the pious cus- 
tom of assigning six Sundays without intermission in honour 
of the Saint, in memory of the six years he lived in the society 
of Jesus, was introduced and observed. How agreeable a de- 
votion of this nature was, St. Aloysius has showed by many 
and very signal blessings bestowed on his clients ; so that thy 
same Clement XII. as he speaks himself, to nourish so sa- 
lutary a practice towards St. Aloysius, approved from 
Heaven by many favours, as well spiritual as temporal, 
has granted plenary indulgences on each of the above Sundays 
to them, who by a true and sincere repentance, by a 
worthy communion, by a serious application to mental of 
vocal prayer, and other good works of piety, performed in 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



177 



honour of the Saint and directed to the glory of God, shall 
sanctify the said days, 

" The manner of performing the devotion of the six Sun- 
days, is as follows. 

" 1. On each of these Sundays, let the person who performs 
this devotion, choose St. Aloysius for his patron, and receive 
the sacraments of penance and the holy Eucharist. 

" 2. On that day, let him be present either at some Con- 
fraternity or Sodality, or at least hear a Mass in honour of 
the Saint. 

" 3. Let him recite on each day, either before some image 
of the Saint, or in the Church, six Our Fathers and Hail 
Marys, and as often, Glory be to the Father, tyc. the Li- 
tany of the Saint, fyc. 

4. Let him perform some work of mercy, spiritual or 
corporal, according to his ability, and as his devotion shall 
suggest. 

u 5. Let him spend some time in meditating ; and for the 
subject of h'^ meditation on each Sunday, let him take one of 
the virtues which St. Bonaventure finds expressed in the 
wings of the Seraphim, seen by the prophet Isaiah. These 
virtues are : Compunction of Heart, Sanciijication of Pe- 
nance, Clearness of Body, Purity of Mind, Love of God, 
and Love of our Neighbour. With these virtues, as with 
so many wings, did the angelical youth Aloysius fly to that 
height of perfection, as to resemble in some manner the very 
Angels themselves." 



A PRAYER 

To be said each Sunday, after the six Our Fathers 
and Hail Marys, &c. and as often. Glory be 
to the Father, &c. 

Angelical youth, most loving protector and 
powerful advocate, Aloysius ! as thy most unwor- 
thy servant and client, yet sensible of the favour 
ihou enjoyest with God, the just reward of thy 
me. "it, I humbly prostrate myself before the throne 



178 



THE NOVENA 



of thy glory. I rejoice from my soul not only 
for the renown of thy name, illustrious upon earth 
by frequent and glorious prodigies ; but also am 
overjoyed for the sublime pre-eminence, with 
which God has been pleased to crown thy virtues 
in Heaven. Praise and glory be to the most sa- 
cred Trinity, who embellished thy soul with a 
most admirable innocence, and with so many most 
heroic virtues. Blessed be the eternal Father, 
who is well pleased in thee, his adoptive child, 
adorned with so singular prerogatives. Blessed 
be God the Son, who sees in thee so pure and so 
abundant fruit of his precious blood and passion. 
Blessed be the Holy Ghost, who resided in thee 
after a particular manner, and inflamed thy heart 
with an ardent love and charity. By these so 
singular favours ; by thy innocence and penance 
equally admirable ; by that love of God, which 
burnt in thy breast ; by his love for thee, and by 
the unspeakable bliss and happiness thou enjoyest 
in Heaven, give me leave in a suppliant manner 
to entreat thy goodness to obtain for me a true 
contrition and repentance, an undefiled purity of 
heart, and a conscience free from sin and all of- 
fence of God. Be thou ever present to me ; 
protect and defend me, as well in life as in death, 
when my weakness will stand most in need of, 
and call for thy powerful assistance. Let me 
also, my dear and indulgent patron, most earnest- 
ly beg the particular grace of JV*. JY. which I 
confidently hope to obtain through thy holy inter- 
cession. 

O Queen of Heaven, Virgin Mother ! who so 
much lovedst Aloysius, intercede with thy cily 



TO ST. ALOYSIUS. 



179 



begotten Son, that under thy patronage some 
weight may be added to my poor and unworthy 
prayers : grant this my request, founded not on 
my own, which are none, but the merits of St. 
Aioysius. O most holy Yirgin ! may all know 
and be sensible, that thou wouldst have Aioysius 
honoured and respected, and that, as a true Mo- 
ther, thou embracest such as have recourse to his 
protection and patronage. May the number of 
the faithful, who honour thee, O Queen of An- 
gels ! and the angelical Aioysius here on earth, be 
daily increased, and may they yet more praise 
and glorify you both in Heaven for all eternity. 
Amen. 



NOVENA TO ST. ALOYSIUS. 

The first Prayer of this No vena is found page 
}77, beginning, Angelical youth, Aioysius, fyc. 
then say the following Prayer. 

I acknowledge, 0 eternal God! that all things 
I have, or can possess, come from thy merciful 
goodness. I adore all thy divine perfections. I 
firmly believe that I am in thy sacred presence, 
(hat thou beholdest all my actions, and the most 
secret desires of my heart. I moreover believe 
without doubting, all the sacred truths the holy 
Catholic and Apostolic Church believes and 
teaches, because thou, O my God ! hast revealed 
them, who neither canst deceive nor be deceived. 

I am sensible, 0 my dearest Saviour ! that my 



180 



THE NOVENA 



past sins and infidelities, have rendered me dis- 
gustful in thy divine eyes. Because they caused 
thy cruel sufferings, thy bitter death and passion, 
I most sincerely detest and hate them. Have 
mercy on my soul, dearest Saviour, redeemed 
with thy precious blood : I firmly purpose never 
more to plunge it into like guilt, but diligently tc 
fly every occasion of sin. I do resolve to confess 
all my crimes and to make satisfaction for them. 
It is not upon any merits of my own that I con- 
fide, but, 0 merciful Redeemer ! I trust in thy 
promises and goodness, in thy sufferings, in thy 
precious blood, to obtain pardon for these my sins, 
and grace to amend my life, and persevere with 
fidelity in thy service to my last breath. Amen. 

0 Glorious St. Aloysius ! appointed by the 
Church of Christ, as a worthy advocate for her 
children, intercede for me ; obtain for me what I 
ask in this JYovena, if it be for the glory of God 
and the good of my soul ; or at least, 0 faithful 
servant of God ! direct my request, that it mav 
turn to the honour of my dear and blessed Re- 
deemer, that through thy patronage he may see in 
me the effect of his sacred passion and blood. 

Omnipotent and eternal God of Heaven and 
earth ! who hast been pleased to adorn the ever 
glorious Virgin Mary with the treasures of Hea- 
ven, making her a fit habitation for thy divine Son ; 
permit thy servant to offer to thee those virtues 
which rendered her most pleasing in thy sight ; 
accept in my behalf her pure virginity, her perfect 
obedience and humility, her poverty, and suffer- 
ings, together with the innocence, penance, and 
perfect resignation of thy worthy St. Aloysius- I 



TO ST. ALOYSIUS. 



1S1 



beseech thee, grant me a true compunction of 
heart, give me a true spirit of mortification and 
humility, that I may despise all worldly things, 
and rest in thee alone. Grant me also the peti- 
tion I make in this JYovena, to thy greater honour 
and glory. Amen. 

u Here say six times Our Father and Hail 
Mary, &c. and as often, Glory be to the Father, 
&c, to these subjoin the Prayer, beginning Ange- 
lical Youth, most loving protector, Seepage 177, 
and the Litany of St Aloysius, and terminate on 
each day the Prayers for the Novena, by this Jln- 
tiphon to our blessed Lady." 

Hail holy Queen ! Mother of mercy, our life, 
our sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, 
poor banished sons of Eve. To thee we send 
up our sighs, mourning and weeping, in this valley 
of tears ; turn, then, most gracious advocate, thy 
eyes of mercy towards us ; and after this our 
exile ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy 
womb, Jesus, O most clement, most pious, and 
most sweet Virgin Mary ! 

Vers. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God ! 
Resp. That we may be made worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 

Let us pray. 

O almighty and eternal God ! who by the co- 
operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the 
body and soul of the glorious Yirgin Mary, to be- 
come a worthy reception of thy divine Son, grant 



182 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



that we, who rejoice in her commemoration, may 
through her intercession, be delivered from pre- 
sent evils and eternal death, through the same 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Vers. May the divine assistance remain always with us. 
Amen. 

" Those who make this Novena are advised to read ever 
with attention the instructions laid down before the Novena to 
St. Francis Xaverius — and conform their lives to a practice of 
those virtues recommended in the'six Sundays. " 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF ST. ALOYSIUS. 

* CONSIDERATION FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY. 

St. Moysius an example of compunction of heart. 

Admirable was Aloysius in this virtue, considering 1st. 
the object of his sorrow; 2d. the sincerity and intenseness of 
his sorrow; 3d. the continuance and perseverance of his 
sorrow. 

" Consider 1st. What was the object of his sorrow J small 
faults which woldings hardly believe to be faults. 

" At four or five years of age, he had taken by stealth some 
powder from the pouches of the soldiers, to fire a small field- 
piece, which was allowed him for diversion, and with a view 
of training him up for the army. He had also been heard to 
utter some improper expressions, which occasionally he had 



* These considerations are selected from the life of St 
Aloysius. It is greatly recommended to all those who make 
this devotion, that they would frequently occupy themselves 
in reading attentively the life of this Saint; particularly during 
the time their devotion continues. 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



183 



picked up from among the soldiers, though without reflection 
on the import and meaning of them. Nevertheless, he bitterly 
bewailed these two faults, during his whole ensuing lif@. 

f 1 Consider 2d. That although the faults of St. Aloysius 
were small, his sorrow was most intense and sincere. So 
lively was his sorrow, that entering upon a general confession 
of his whole life, at Florence, he was seized with so great a 
flow of grief, and overwhelmed with such a torrent of tears, 
that unable to support the anguish, he fainted away, and was 
obliged, not only to interrupt, but to delay his confession al- 
ready begun, to a further time ; and ever after, a sincere grief ? 
expressed by sighs and tears, attended the remembrance of 
his past faults. 

" Consider 3d. The continuance of his repentance. He 
never ceased to repent, till he ceased to live. Often was he 
heard to say, with tears in his eyes: Thy judgments, O 
God i are a deep abyss : Who knows, if the sins I com- 
mitted before my entrance into Religion are yet forgiven ! 
His fear was, lest he should be cast off by Almighty God, and 
accounted in the number of the reprobate." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the first iveek's Devotion in honour of St. 
Aloysius. 

St. Aloysius gives me an example of compunction of heart. 
Is it not the will of Heaven that I should regulate myself by 
it? — I have sinned — of consequence sorrow, and repentance 
are required — You, devout Christian, who may read and con- 
sider this, say daily to yourself, unless I sincerely repent of 
my sins, I shall be miserable for an endless Eternity. I pos- 
sess, at this moment, the best occasion of giving myself to my 
Lord and Creator, under the protection and example of St. 
Aloysius — unless I use it, I may expose myself to infinite dan- 
gers — I will also reflect, that the bitter afflictions and tears 
of my Divine Redeemer — his sacred body wounded and 
bleeding for my salvation, will not save me, unless I sincerely 
repent — Oh! is it not better for me to imitate St. Aloysius in 
my repentance, than to frustrate the design of my merciful 
Redeemer in dying for me ? — All my Saviour has done in- 
creases the eternal damnation of the wicked, because they 



184 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



would not repent and return from their sins — Alas ! what an 
unhappy thought for me, to be obliged to reflect, when I am 
in JEternal misery, that I am here, because I would not do 
what I can now perform with so much ease — I will daily 
humble myself before God, whom I have so often offended — 
I will offer to him sincere grief and sorrow for my past sins ; 
resolving to make amends, inasmuch as I can, by my fervour 
and devotion. I will often say from the sincerity of my heart, 
permit, O Lord, that my love and affection in serving thee, 
may equal (if possible) my malice in having- offended thee, 
— I will be exact in my examen at night, and excite a lively 
sorrow for my repeated sins — particularly, I resolve never to 
retire to bed, without begging pardon of my Lord and Creator, 
for those offences of my past life, which I know to be the most 
displeasing to him. I will wish and endeavour to excite thai 
compunction of Heart, which St. Aloysius experienced, and 
beg the same through his holy intercession. 



CONSIDERATION FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY. 
St. Jlloysius an example of Mortification. 

Consider what was his mortification : 1st. in the world y 
2d. in a religious state; 3d. on his death bed. 

" Consider 1st. That every Christian is commanded and 
instructed by his divine Redeemer, to walk in the straight 
way that leads to life ; Matt. vii. 14. In consequence, the 
spirit of Christianity is a spirit of mortification and austerity. 
Under the influence of divine grace, Aloysius was early im- 
bued with this heavenly doctrine. He practised the most 
rigid austerities from his infancy, even in the wcrld ; and 
though heir to a considerable principality, notwithstanding the 
opposite allurements of a splendid and magnificent Court, he 
treated his body, innocent as it was, with the most strict seve- 
rity. His disciplines were frequent and bloody ; his fasts al- 
most continual, his very refection was so sparing, that it never 
exceeded the quantity of one ounce at any set meal. When 
deprived of his usual instruments of mortification, he was ever 
ingenious in finding out means to supply their want. Instead 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



185 



of hair shirts, he would make use of small iron spikes and 
rowels of spurs, and would strew his bed with chips of wood, 
that his very rest might have an uniformity with his other ac- 
tions, which were ever seasoned with mortification. 

" Consider 2d. That Aloysius in a religious state, with 
due subordination to superiors, continued on and practised the 
same rigorous austerities towards himself. No action seemed 
to please him, unless it was accompanied with some mortifi- 
cation. Besides fasting, iron chains and disciplines, he would 
find out some means or other to afflict his body, in what pos- 
ture soever it was, and would not let slip out of his hands any 
opportunity of overcoming himself; subduing all the motions 
of his heart, and subjecting his own will and inclination. To 
such as seemed surprised at his austerities, he would now and 
then answer, It is practice and custom that make these 
things easy and agreeable ; neglect and disuse render them 
hard and difficult. 

" Consider 3d. The mortification of Aloysius, at the point 
of death. From the knowledge of these astonishing mortifi- 
cations of this Saint, many imagined, that at the hour of his 
death, he would be somewhat anxious and troubled, as if by 
these his voluntary chastisements, he had shortened his life. 
On the contrary, having received the last sacraments of the 
Church, he declared, That, far from being disturbed and 
troubled at the mortifications he had inflicted on himself, 
his only concern was, that he had omitted many austerities 
which his strength probably would have been able to sup- 
%>ort. Wherefore he then begged his superior would order 
him a discipline. This was not at that time to be granted : 
his request then was, that he might be allowed, like a true 
penitent and a faithful follower of his divine Master, to breathe 
out his last on the bare ground." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the second iveek's Devotion in honour of SL 
Aloysius. 

What the world may say, ought I, as a Christian, to re- 
gard ? Remember that it is the undoubted sign and mark of 
predestination, according to St. Paul, (Gal. v. 24.) that those 
who are ChrisVs, have crucified their flesh, with its vices 
Q 2 



186 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



and lusts ; of consequence, to avoid sin, and to be a disciple 
of Jesus Christ, I must oppose with vigour my c/ii inclina- 
tions ; I must deny that freedom and liberty to my senses, 
which I have often indulged. Had I done this, cn such and 
such particular occasions, in my conversations with others, 
in my ways of acting with them and myself, I had never ex- 
cited the anger of Almighty God so frequently against my- 
self. What trouble ! at the hour of my death to know I am 
going to step into an Eternity of misery, because I did not 
mortify my will, and strictly adhere to the solemn renuncia- 
tions I made at my baptism. I promised to the Church of 
Christ, that I would renounce the world with its pomps, tha 
Devil and his works, the flesh and its pleasures — Alas ! can 
I do it without constant mortification ? A Christian contem- 
plating the sufferings of his crucified Redeemer in order to 
destroy sin, can he refuse to curb his inclinations to it ? — 
warned by the dreadful example of the damned, can he still 
refuse to oppose with vigour his evil inclinations ? No, my 
God, I was made to serve and love thee alone. I will ever 
resist the very first incitement to vice, and bring my body 
into servitude : I will often remember during this week, what 
I now promise, repeat the same, and offer the affections of 
my heart to my Lord and Creator: My mortification in so 
doing is short ; my happiness will be eternal. St. Aloysius, 
by mortification, secured to bimself Innocence and Felicity : 
His trouble is now passed ; his reward never will end. 
Ought I not to do the same, if I wish the same eternal recom- 
pense ? How much shall I wish, during an unhappy Eter- 
nity, that I had followed this example of St. Aloysius, and 
through mortification and self-denial, had obliged my soul 
to be obsequious to the merciful designs of Almighty God. 
This I will do at present, and will repeatedly say, I offer to 
thee, O my God, these resolutions ; strengthen me in thy 
mercy, to correspond ; bless me as thou blest St. Aloysius. 
I will daily beg this favour through the intercession of St. 
Aloysius. 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



187 



CONSIDERATION FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY. 

Si. .Jiloysius an example of purity of body 

St. Aloysius possessed this virtue, 1st. without blemish; 
2d. by a singular privilege ; 3d. he preserved it by the ut- 
most vigilance. 

" Consider 1st, that St. Aloysius, although eminent in all 
kind of virtue, seems chiefly to have excelled in that of chas- 
tity and purity of body. From his earliest youth, his own 
domestics and all who knew him, could not help admiring the 
innocency of his morals ; they commonly called him, the little 
prince exempt from the weakness of the flesh. The holy 
Church does not doubt to style him an Angelical Youth, and 
that too in her most solemn and public service. No one dared 
to pronounce a word that savoured the least of immodesty, or 
even had a tendency that way, in his presence ; they knew 
that nothing could displease or offend him more. Cardinal 
Bellarmine, his Director in matters of conscience, a most wise 
and prudent man, (so little could he observe in him of that 
frailty, which is common to others,) hesitates not to declare, 
that he looked upon him as confirmed in the favour and grace 
of his Creator. 

" Consider 2d. How singular were the prerogatives with 
which God adorned the purity of his servant. In his tender 
years, he consecrated himself, at Florence, to the mother of 
purity, who seems in a particular manner to have rewarded 
him on that account. The acts of his canonization testify, 
that no one was ever more privileged — reflect on the words 
themselves : Aloysius never suffered in his body the stings 
of the fl,esh, and never had in his mind an impure thought ; 
which thing we read not in the lives of other Saints. Such 
are the gifts of God, such those in particular that are imparted 
to us through the hands of the most pure Virgin, in themselves 
singular and angelical. 

" Consider 3d. With what care and diligence did St. Aloy- 
sius preserve this beloved and precious treasure of purity. 
No passage or entrance was left open ; no advantage given to 
his enemies ; he kept a strict guard over all his senses : in 
particular over his eyes, as the most dangerous inlet. When 
Page to Empress Mary of Austria, upon whom he waited 



iS8 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



many years, he never even looked her in the face : nor was 
he less circumspect or more off his guard, when he spoke and 
conversed with his own mother. He kept his eyes modestly 
inclined towards the ground, in such sort that the greatest 
part of those that frequented his company, could not say what 
colour they were of. Being once prevailed upon to go to a 
ball, he soon found an expedient to withdraw from the com- 
pany, and to betake himself in private to prayer. In fine, he 
was on all occasions full of care and circumspection — he 
showed a diffidence in himself similar to one walking in a dif- 
ficult and slippery path, holding in his hand a frail vessel filled 
with precious liquor." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the third iveek's Devotion in honour of St. 
Aloysius. 

Ought I not to follow this striking example of St. Aloy- 
sius ? He was moderate in conversation, considerate in 
action, mild in countenance, watchful over his senses ; in 
every gesture and motion of his body, he showed himself an 
Angelical Youth. Such was Aloysius ; and as such, devout 
Christian, you ought to admire and love him. By this con- 
duct he preserved from every blemish the inestimable virtue 
of purity of body ; which, devout Christian, respectively to 
your state of life, is necessary for your eternal safety. I will 
reflect, that to adhere to my loving Redeemer and to please 
him, I must love purity. I must cherish and embrace this 
Heavenly virtue, with the whole affections of my soul. I 
must offer him a heart which sincerely detests the smallest in- 
citements towards impurity. If I have unhappily sinned in 
this particular, I must daily bemoan and lament my misfor- 
tune, and be confounded at my base ingratitude, for loving so 
vile an object more than God. The whole world cannot sa- 
tisfy for the least of these sins. Thousands are buried in 
Hell for this dreadful sin. I shall be there, unless I make use 
of the goodness of God. He does not punish me, because he 
wishes to see me return and save my soul. How foolish is it 
for me to damn myself for a shameful action ! O my soul ! 
what a miserable condition is that, where the pleasure 
passes in a moment, to make place for eternal punishment i 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



189 



Hereafter, whatever temptations I experience, I will call upon 
the sweet names of Jesus and Mary. During the temptation, 
I will frequently say, O Good Jesus ! have pity on me. At 
other times, I will repeat, O my loving Saviour ! take my 
heart to thyself; thou hast loved me upon thy Cross. Do 
not permit, that I should love these filthy thoughts : or, O 
most holy Mary I my dearest Mother ! defend me from 
this beastly enemy, who wishes to make me trample under 
my feet, and despise the precious blood which thy beloved 
Son shed for my salvation. Take pity on me, O holy 
Mary ! defend me from his rage. I will take my eyes from 
the objects which cause these incitements, and will treat these 
objects with disdain, both by my interior and exterior actions. 
If I be much importuned by these temptations, I will resist 
with double vigour. I will think, if possibly I can, how dread' 
fulfor me to suffer forever the torments of Hell ; and if I 
sin, such is my lot. If it be in my power, I will cast my eyes 
upon a Crucifix, and say, My God hangs upon a Cross for 
me ; can I in his sight give way to this shameful sin ? — I 
will imagine that I hear as many voices, as I see wounds in 
the body of my Saviour, saying to me : my dear beloved 
child, throw aside that thought ; am I not wounded 
enough to gain heaven for you ? vjhy will you expose your 
soul and body to eternal ruin ? Is my blood for your sal- 
vation, my love for you of less value, than that base action 
to which you are inclined ? Whatever it costs me, I will 
keep myself united to God, and with vigour engage myself in 
works suitable to my situation of life. I will, during this 
week, daily beg this great virtue through the intercession of 
St. Aloysius. 



CONSIDERATION FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY. 
St. Aloysius an example of purity of mind, 

St. Aloysius was eminent in this virtue ; 1st. by a total 
disengagement from worldly vanity; 2d. by renouncing 
the world; 3d. by an intimate union with God. 



190 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



" Consider 1st. That St. Aloysius, from his youth, seemed 
to possess a knowledge of the vanities of the world. Of this 
he showed evident signs, by publicly despising its pomps and 
honours. What engrosses the minds and attention of other 
mortals, as power, riches, command, and the like, were of no 
estimate or merit with him. The rich particularly, who, 
whilst they might gain eternal wealth, remained lost and be 
wildered in the pursuit of what was vile and transient, were 
so many objects of his. disdain and compassion. Aloysius 
was not less opposite to them in his life, than contrary to them 
in his morals. His delight was to resemble the poor ; he 
chose for himself the meanest dress, in the midst of the great- 
est splendour, to show that he cordially despised worldly 
greatness. What could he with affection behold on earth, 
whose thoughts and desires were centred in Heaven ? 

" Consider 2d. That his disengagement from worldly va- 
nity caused him in a short time to make a total renouncement 
of the world. — Deliberating with himself on the choice of a 
state of life, he addressed his prayers to our blessed Lady, 
and placed himself under her care and direction. On the 
feast of her sacred Assumption, he clearly saw himself invited 
and called to the Society of Jesus. Great were the obstacles 
and difficulties he had to surmount, in order to obey this call. 
The obstinacy of his father in refusing his consent, for the 
space of three whole years, was not brought to yield, but by 
constant prayer, tears, and rigorous mortifications. In fine, 
St. Aloysius publicly divests himself of the principality which 
by birth devolved to him, and transferred his right to his 
younger brother ; then, from amidst the common tears of a 
large assembly, he betakes himself to the Society of Jesus : 
exchanging the affluence, ease, and splendour of a Court, 
for the poverty, mortification, and humility of a religious 
life. 

" Consider 3d. That this purity of mind, which St. Aloy- 
sius possessed in so perfect a manner, received its source 
from the Saint's intimate union with God. Whilst a child, he 
oftentimes passed whole hours in contemplation of the divine 
perfections of Almighty God, exciting tears of tenderness and 
love towards him. His thoughts were continually on God. 
His countenance would be inflamed and burn : his soul would 
melt and dissolve away at the memory only, or mention of his 
Creator, who was ever before his eyes and present to his 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



191 



heait. — An uninterrupted conversation with God, ran through 
and accompanied his whole life. In prayer especially, he 
was so absorbed in the object of his love, that no distraction 
could avert his mind : of this we have the authentic testimony 
in the acts of his canonization, which declaie, that he was 
free from distractions and dissipations of mind in prayer; 
a favour he had purchased, not without toil and labour." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the fourth week's devotion in honour of St. 
Aloysius. 

The example St. Aloysius gives me, of parity of mind, 
deserves my most srrious reflections. By possessing this 
great virtue, my louI is raised to a union with God ; she is 
carried with the influence of divine grace to contemn the fol- 
lies of this world, to despise its perishable objects, to seek 
her Lord and Creator ; in every action, to aim at his love 
and service. It is vain for me to think I do this, unless all 
my actions arc done purely to honour and glorify Almighty 
God. Remember, devout Christian, you were made to enjoy 
things eterncJ ; what folly then for you to give your heart to 
the vain objects of a passing world ! — The smallest action I 
now perform, if done for Almighty God, will add to my glory 
for an endless eternity : whereas whatever I do for the world, 
will make me unhappy, as long as God exists : my soul is 
worth more than all the riches, honours, and pleasures of the 
world, because all these things will perish, but my soul will 
never die. Ought I not then to unite my soul to Almighty 
G od, without whom I shall ever be miserably unhappy ? 
There is no other way to Heaven. If I would be with God in 
Heaven, I must not separate him from me on earth, My lov- 
ing Creator deserves that I should think of him, that I should 
present him my thoughts, my words, and my actions, and he 
promises to reward them all with an eternity of glory. Can 
any one favoured as I am by Almighty God, refuse him so 
small a thing ? — No ; I sincerely purpose to be more mindful 
of this for the future. I will often ask myself the question, 
where is my God ? Is he present with me in these ac- 
tions ? Are they offered to hira 2 Arb they pleasing to 



192 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



him ? Do I seek his glory and a greater union with him 
in performing them? — I am to render him a most strict 
account of all my thoughts, words, and actions. I will 
often make Acts of Faith of this truth, and say within 
myself, I believe, O my God ! that I am to give a strict ac- 
count of all I do, because you have said, that you will judgi 
all men according to their works, — Short aspirations, often 
repeated during my actions, would bring upon me the greatest 
blessings of God. Eternally happy is St. Aloysius, because 
he despised the world and its passing pomps and vanities. 
He pitied worldlings in their blindness, who strove to content 
their immortal souls with the perishable objects of riches, ho- 
nours, pleasures, dress, &c. Unhappy for me, if my desire 
of any one of these things, should cause my damnation. If I 
will absolutely seek God with as much zeal as worldlings 
seek and nourish vanity, I shall be ever happy. I ought in 
consequence to engage myself to follow the example of St. 
Aloysius, and daily beg this favour through his powerful in 
tercession. 



CONSIDERATION FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY. 

St. Aloysius an example of charity towards his 
neighbour. 

The charity of St. Aloysius toward his neighbour was, 1st. 
patient; 2d. it was industrious ; 3d. it was generous. 

" Consider 1st. He who knows not how to bear with the 
defects and failures of others, does not possess the virtue ot 
Charity. — The first quality ascribed to Christian Charity by 
St. Paul, is, that Charity is patient, 1. Cor. xiii. 14. It 
may be affirmed that St. Aloysius carried this virtue to an 
eminent degree. He suffered not only with patience every 
contempt, outrage, and insult, but showed on those occasions, 
an exterior cheerfulness of countenance ; a disposition not at 
all to be ascribed to his temper and complexion, (that being 
naturally somewhat warm and hasty, as on occasions he had 
showed) but was entirely the effect of frequent meditation, 
and the use he had made of his particular examen, in which 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



193 



he fook that under a special and daily consideration. Hence 
he had so absolute a command over himself, that the \ er} 7 first 
motions of anger, not always voluntary and in our power, 
either could not be observed in him, or were under the strictest 
subjection. 

" Consider 2dly. His charity was active and industrious 
in finding out means to relieve his neighbours in their wants : 
Their sufferings affected him, as if they were his own, parti- 
cularly if the danger or damage turned upon their souls. 

" Aloysius, even w 7 hen a child, was remarkable for his 
compassionate tenderness. He w r ould, notwithstanding his 
high birth, mix with the ignorant and grosser sort of men, in- 
struct them in the heads of Christian doctrine, reprove their 
vices, settle differences, disputes or disagreements, too com- 
mon among them. Much more did he practise this when at 
Rome and in the society, drawing all to the love of God, and 
the frequent and due use of the sacraments. 

" Consider 3dly. The most generous and heroic deed of 
Christian charity is to sacrifice our lives in the service of our 
neighbour. The charity of St. Aloysius extended to this sub- 
lime degree of perfection. Whilst the plague infested Rome, 
he obtained leave of his superiors to serve such as were in- 
fected : a labour he embraced wtih so much alacrity, that the 
more vile the service was, the more it seemed agreeable to 
him; the more abject and abandoned the object, the greater 
was his care and vigilance : he measured his labour, not by 
his own strength, but by the want and call of others. We 
may truly say, that he laid his life down in the discharge of so 
charitable an employ : for having taken the distemper, the in- 
fection thereof soon put an end to his life." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the fifth week's Devotion in honour of St 
Aloysius. 

What comfort to a pious client of St. Aloysius to contem- 
plate his patron at the hour of death ! — This Holy Saint ex- 
pressed his gladness of soul on the approach of that happy 
moment, in which he was to enter into the eternal enjoyment 
of his Creator. This favour he received in the exercise of 
love towards his neighbour. — I ought to remember, that if I 
R 



194 



THE SIX SUN13A1S OF 



wish a like happiness at my death, I must imitate Aloysius in 
the exercise of this virtue. To convince myself of this truth, 
I will often and seriously reflect on the many motives I have 
for loving and assisting my neighbour. 

1st. He bears within him the image and likeness of my 
Creator. 2d. He is redeemed with the precious blood of my 
Saviour. 3d. He is intended by Almighty God to possess 
an eternal happiness. Being thus the favourite of Heaven, 
can I find it in my heart, to despise him ? I will also reflect, 
that to secure my salvation, I must religiously observe these 
three commands of my loving Redeemer — 1st. I must love my 
neighbour as myself. Matt. 22. — 2d. 1 must do as I would 
be done by. Matt. 7. — 3d. i" must love my neighbour as 
Christ has loved me. John 13. I ought to blush not to ro- 
operate with my blessed Redeemer, in the salvation of those 
with whom I live. If I love my Saviour as I ought, I shall 
love all those for whom he suffered, and shall find myself in- 
clined to repeat frequently : O my loving Redeemer, permit 
me to bring others to know, to love and to serve thee. — 
What comfort for me, especially at my death, and during the 
whole length of eternity, if I could be the cause of the happi- 
ness of any one person, either by my example, my discourse, 
or prayers ! How pleasing would it be to Jesus Christ to see 
(by my means) the happy effects of his precious blood in the 
salvation of this soul ! — This I can do, with the assistance of 
Heaven, by my sweetness of manners, by good example at all 
times, and by my edifying discourses on certain occasions. 
On the other hand, the blood of my crucified Redeemer, will 
turn to my destruction, if I injure my neighbour, or cause, or 
partake in his sins. I will make it my duty to humble myself 
on account of my many sins of detraction — and will endea- 
vour by a mild and sweet disposition, joined to a virtuous ex- 
ample in all my actions, to make atonement and reparation.-— 
I will impress these sentiments upon my heart.— I will often 
say, J cannot love God unless I love my neighbour — I will 
daily pray for this virtue, through the intercession of St. 
Aloysius. 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



195 



CONSIDERATION FOR THE SIXTH SUNDAY. 

St, Aloysius an example, of the love we oioe to God, 

St. Aloysius loved most tenderly the bounty and goodness of 
God — 1st. in itself; 2d. in Christ crucified; 3d. in Jesus 
Christ hidden in the most holy sacrament of the altar. 

" Consider 1st. Aloysius, who excelled in all other virtues, 
was eminently conspicuous and truly seraphic in the love of God. 
He was so affected and transported with this holy flame, that 
when he thought of God, or heard others speak of him, his 
countenance was on fire, his voice and breath seemed to be inter- 
cepted, and his heart (struggling as it were to get out of its con- 
finement) beat with violence. His superiors obliged him to mo- 
derate this heat, winch exhausted and consumed the poor remains 
of strength left in him, and at certain intervals to divert his mind 
from a continual meditation on his Creator. 

" Consider 2d. The goodness of God, which appears most 
remarkable in our crucified Saviour, was the nourishment that 
maintained and increased the love of God in Aloysius. If our 
Saint was pleased with the thoughts and the contemplation of the 
great humility, sufferings and bitter passion of Christ crucified ; 
he was not less delighted in the prospect and desire of following 
an example laid before him by so admirable an instructor. — He 
seemed satisfied when reviled and cast off by others ; and this his 
satisfaction redoubled, in proportion to the rudeness of the treat- 
ment he met with. For the same reason, he seemed to rejoice 
at the most excruciating pains, esteeming them as a participation 
of the sufferings of Christ. Thus the memory of what our 
blessed Saviour underwent, gave a constant seasoning to his suf- 
ferings, which he deemed small and inconsiderable, because they 
fell short of what he contemplated in him, and far below the de- 
sire he had formed in his own heart of suffering for him. 

" Consider 3d. The excessive goodness Christ shows in the 
holy Sacrament of the Eucharist was another spring and source of 
his love for God. He has loved them to the end. John 13. 
It truly was such to Aloysius. From the first time he received 
this pledge of love in holy Communion, which was from the hands 
of St. Charles Borromeus, his care, concern, and endeavour, was 
to live as one thoroughly sensible of so singular a favour. In the 
presence of the blessed Sacrament, his soul melted and dissolved 



196 



THE SIX SUNDAYS OF 



into the tenderest affections, and inspired all about him with the 
same sentiments of devotion. Three whole days were employed 
for the due receiving of so great a guest, and as many in returning 
thanks for so kind a visit, so excessive a bounty. Whenever he 
approached to this divine mystery he melted into tears ; he hum- 
bled and annihilated himself in his presence, and commonly spent 
two hours in adoration after Communion." 

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS, 

For the sixth iveek's Devotion, in honour of St 
Jlloysius, 

Who is not moved to the love of Almighty God, when he se- 
riously considers all that G od has done to gain his affections ! St. 
Aloysius gives me a striking example how to love God. The mo- 
ment St. Aloysius knew the goodness of Almighty God in Ins re- 
gard, he loved him, he gave him Ms whole heart, and never re- 
demanded it. The view of his crucified Saviour, his receiving 
him in the holy Eucharist, excited in his tender heart the greatest 
effusions of love. I am that happy person, whose affections Al- 
mighty God demands. He wishes to make me as happy as he 
made St. Aloysius. Can I refuse Almighty God the affections of 
my heart ! How can I deny my soul that happiness which will 
come from the loving and possessing of her Creator? Nothing can 
destroy my soul ; she is of the same nature as God himself, and 
like lum she will exist ior-ever and ever ! What folly then for me 
to please myself with the deceitful objects and projects of this 
world ! Where are those people who delighted in the pleasures of 
this world, and found fault with St. Aloysius, because he loved 
God, and gave himself to God ? — The world and its vanities have 
long forsuken them, and have left them in eternal misery. Re- 
flect, devout Christian, on the great disparity between St. Aloysius 
and those unhappy worldlings. St. Aloysius loved Almighty 
God, and will be happy with him iov-ever and ever. Those 
worldlings despised the choice St. Aloysius made, they loved 
the world and its vanities ; their pleasures and follies are now past, 
and behold them in misery for all eternity. Whoever may read 
and consider this, let him resolve not to make this unhappy choice. 
Almighty God loves you, he wishes you would love him ; if you 
will do it, he promises you eternal fehcity. Engage yourself *o 



ST. ALOYSIUS. 



197 



begin to love God, and say to yourself — to be happy I must con- 
clude to love him, and to demonstrate my love for him by my ac- 
tions ; he made me for this end — I will now begin and I will love 
him at all times and in all places, that I may be secure of loving 
him for an endless eternity. I will often repeat, my heart, O my 
God, was made to love thee, and it never can be at rest but in 
loving and serving thee ; I put it into thy sacred hands, I wish it 
to remain forever in thy possession. Moreover, I seriously re- 
solve, 1st. To make frequent acts of divine love; they ought (if 
possible) to be as frequent as the drawing of my breath. 2d. All 
my actions shall be accompanied with aspirations of divine love. 
3d. I will strive, when occasions occur, to engage others to tins 
heavenly practice. 4th. I will often petition the saints to obtain 
for me this great blessing. I will unite my acts of love to theirs ; 
[ will at all times wish that I could love my Creator as they do. If 
I admit of these sentiments and correspond with them, I am cer- 
tain of being happy with Almighty God and his blessed saints for 
an endless eternity. 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 

An Indulgence is a releasing of the temporal punishment winch 
often remains due to sin, after the guilt thereof and the eternal pu- 
nishment have been remitted. — Manifold testimonies of holy 
Scripture, and the constant tradition of the Catholic Church, 
demonstrate that God, in the general dispensation of his pardon of 
sins, leaves some satisfaction, or punishment to be undergone 
either here, in this life, or hereafter, in purgatory. 

This temporal punishment is more or less remitted by virtue of 
Indulgences, in which the holy Catholic Church, our Mother, 
imparts to her Children the superabundant satisfactions of Christ, 
md his saints. For it is placed beyond all doubt, that the satis- 
faction of Christ was superabundant ; one drop of whose blood 
could have satisfied for the sins of the whole world. It is not less 
certain, that the satisfactions of many saints were more than suffi- 
cient for their own sins, especially those of the blessed Virgin, 
Mother of God, who, although she never incurred the guilt of 
any sin, underwent the most exquisite afflictions and sufferings. 
Now, the all-good and just God could not allow those treasures of 
satisfaction* to remain useless, which could be applied with great 

ii 2 



198 INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 



advantage to the other members of his Church, He therefore has 
given his Church the power of distributing to the faithful these 
spiritual gifts, according to their respective wants and merits ; and 
this distribution is effected by Indulgences, which therefore can be 
granted by him only, who has received from Christ the govern- 
ment and the care of the Church, together with the power of 
binding and loosing the faithful, (Matt. xvi. 19.) because the 
common goods of the Church can be distributed only by those 
who exercise therein a public jurisdiction. 

The use and practice of Indulgences comes down from the time 
of the Apostles ; 2 Cor. xi. 10. St. Paul grants a pardon to the 
incestuous Corinthian, that is, he remits the remaining part of the 
punishment, which had been laid upon him. Hence the most 
ancient fathers, as Tertullian, St. Cyprian, &c. declare in many 
passages of their writings, that bishops used, even in their times, 
to relax the severity of penance with regard to public penitents, at 
the prayers, and entreaties of the martyrs and confessors. Al- 
though these relaxations were not precisely made in the form of 
our Indulgences in these days, they were, notwithstanding, a true 
remission of the temporal punishment inflicted on sin, and there- 
fore true Indulgences. — Many vestiges of Indulgences are found 
In the succeeding ages of the Church, and they had long obtained 
an inviolable right of prescription, when Martin Luther, and other 
protestants thought fit to reclaim against them. 

An Indulgence may be plenary or partial. A plenary Indul- 
gence includes all the punishment to be undergone by him, to whom 
the Indulgence is applied, after he has obtained the remission of 
his sins. A partial Indulgence remits but a part of the same pu- 
nishment. During the first ten ages of the Church, when the pe- 
nitential canons were rigorously observed, partial Indulgences 
consisted in the remission of a part of the penance, enjoined by 
the canons ; whence it happened that those Indulgences were de 
signated by the quantity of time, of which the penance was 
abridged ; so that we still say, an Indulgence of twenty days, of 
forty days, of a year, of seven years, &c. 

From this manner of speaking we are not to infei, that an In- 
dulgence is no more than a mere exemption from canonical pe- 
nance, and the remission of nothing real in the sight of the Al- 
mighty. Such an Indulgence, so far from being salutary to the 
faithful, would be prejudicial in the extreme ; because by deter- 
ring them, now, from offering satisfaction to the divine justice, it 
would subject them in purgatory to much more terrible sufferings. 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 



199 



Hence no Catholic can doubt but that Indulgences avail him be- 
fore God; so that when it is question of an Indulgence of ten, or 
of a hundred days, he is to understand a remission of so much of 
the temporal punishment, as would have been obtained by under- 
going the same proportion of canonical penance. 

Here we are particularly to observe, that whilst the Church 
with a pious liberality imparts Indulgences to the faithful, she by 
no means intends that her children should become more remiss 
in the practice of penance, or neglectful of satisfactory works. 
For Indulgences are granted only to such, as are truly contrite, 
and sincerely penitent ; who, consequently, must be preparedto 
make satisfaction to God by good works. Her intention is only 
to help our weakness, and to supply from the treasure of Christ's 
satisfaction, whatever may be wanting or deficient in ours. Now, 
in these latter times of increasing impiety, heresy, and corrup- 
tion of manners, the Church has been more profuse of her gifts 
and Indulgences, consulting our wants, rather than our merits ; 
that, where sin abounded, grace should abound more ; and that, 
so liberal a dispensation of spiritual goods, might kindle a greater 
fervour in the breasts of Christians. Moreover, as it cannot be 
doubted that, in consequence of this depravity of morals, many 
souls are detained in purgatory, and suffer most severely, it was 
thought proper that many Indulgences should be proposed to the 
faithful, to be gained in behalf of the souls in purgatory, and ap- 
plicable to them, not by way of absolution or jurisdiction, but 
ooly by way of prayer or suffrage, accepted by God, whereby 
their sufferings may be lessened, and their deliverance accele- 
rated. 

OF PLENARY INDULGENCES. 

There are many plenary Indulgences, which the faithful may 
gain in the course of the year, or even in that of one month, 
which we shall now enumerate. But it is necessary to notice he- 
fore hand, that on the day for obtaining a plenary Indulgence, 
three things ought generally to be attended to : 1st, Confession; 
this may be made the day before as well as on the day ; those 
who are in the practice of confessing once a week, may gain 
several plenary Indulgences in the same week, without being ob- 
liged to make a confession previously to each Indulgence. 2dly, 
Communion, which is to be made on the day for gaining the In- 
dulgence ; unless it is otherwise marked in the grant of the In- 



200 INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 



dulgence. 3dly, The Prayer, which the Sovereign Pontiff ai 
ways enjoins on the day of the Indulgence. This prayer is to be 
offered for the exaltation of the holy Catholic Church ; for th& 
conversion of infidels and heretics, and for peace and union be- 
tween Christian princes. This condition is sufficiently complied 
with, by reciting rive our Fathers, and five Hail Marys, for the in- 
tentions above mentioned. 

It is to be observed, that only one plenary Indulgence can be 
obtained on the same day for the person himself; so that if many 
should occur, besides the one for himself, the others are applica- 
ble to the souls in purgatory, repeating for each the prayer above 
mentioned. 

I. 

Indulgences of the Confraternity of the Scapular. 

This association belongs to the order of the blessed Virgin 
Mary of Mount Carmel. Whoever is received into it, has his 
name inscribed in the book of the society, wears the scapular 
constantly, devoutly recites the prayers, and performs the other 
good works, prescribed by the rules of the confraternity, may 
gain a plenary Indulgence : 1. On the day of his reception. 2. 
On the feast of the blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, the 
16th of July, cr on the following Sunday. 3. On the feasts of 
the Purification, Annunciation, Visitation, Assumption, Nativity, 
Presentation, and Conception of the blessed Virgin Mary. 4. 
On the feasts of St. Joseph, St. Teresa, St. Ann, St. Andrew 
Corsinus, St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, St. Angel M. 5th of May, 
St. Albert 7th of August. 5. Once on every Third Sunday of 
each month. 6. At the article of death ; provided the sick 
person, having the scapular on, with sincere contrition, if Confes- 
sion be impossible, devoutly pronounces the most holy names of 
Jesus and Mary. 

n. 

Indulgences of the Confraternity of the Rosary. 

This confraternity belongs to the order of St. Dominick. If 
those who are admitted into it, say, at least once a week, the 
whole Rosary, meditating at the same time on the mysteries of the 
Life, Passion, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, they 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 201 



may gain a plenary Indulgence : 1. On the day of their recep- 
tion. 2. On the first Sunday of every month, and on the prin- 
cipal feasts of the blessed Virgin Mary ; provided they visit, if 
possible, the Church or Chapel of the Rosary. 3. At die article 
of death. Besides, they gain partial indulgences, every time 
they devoutly recite the Rosary. 

III. 

Indulgences of the crowns, or beads of the blessed Virgin 
Mary, commonly called St. Bridget's, when blessed by a Priest, 
especially authorised for this purpose. Whoever has these beads, 
and prays devoutly on the five decades, at least once a week, 
may gain a plenary Indulgence, on each of the solemn feasts of 
Christ, and the blessed Virgin Mary. Also, on those of St. 
Jolm the Baptist, of St. Joseph, of the holy Apostles, and at the 
article of death, besides many partial Indulgences, as often as he 
recites the beads, or does the other pious works, mentioned in the 
next article. They who recite them daily, may obtain the ple- 
nary Indulgence once a month, on whatever day they may 
choose. 

IV 

Indulgences annexed to Crosses, and holy Medals, duly 
blessed by a specially empowered Priest, are granted to whoever 
piously wears those Crosses or Medals, or devoutly pi ays before 
them, whether he recites the divine office, or that of the blessed 
Virgin Mary, or the seven penitential Psalms, or is used to teach 
Catechism, or performs other works of piety. He gains partial 
Indulgences, and may gain also a plenary Indulgence on the great 
festivals of our Lord, and of the blessed Virgin Mary. Pius VI 
confirmed this concession in 1775. 

V. 

Indulgences of the Confraternity of the blessed Sacra 
ment. Whoever is duly admitted into it, by spending one hour, 
at least, in a year, in devout prayer, before the blessed Sacra- 
ment, on the day which he may choose. On that day, on the 
first Thursday of every month, and at the article of death, he may 
gain a plenary Indulgence. 



202 INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 



VI. 

Indulgences of the Confraternity of the sacred Heart °, 
Jesus. It is like the foregoing with this only exception, th» 
the first Friday of every month is assigned, instead of the firs 
Thursday. 

VII. 

Whoever devoutly recites the following Trisagium ; 
Holy y Holy , Holy Lord God of armies ! all the earth is fall oj 
his glory. Glory be to the Father ; Glory be to the Son ; 
Glory be to the Holy Ghost ; may gain every day an Indul- 
gence of one hundred days, (which may be gained three times a 
day, during the octave of the Holy Trinity, and on every Sun- 
day,) and a plenary Indulgence on one day at his choice in every 
month, if he daily recites the same prayer. 

VIII. 

Whoever devoutly repeats the following : Eternal praise 
and ihanltsgiving to the most holy, and most divine Sacra- 
ment : may gain every day an Indulgence of one hundred days : 
(the same may be gained three times a day within the octave of 
Corpus Christi, and on every Thursday throughout the year,) 
and if the same be recited daily, a plenary Indulgence may be 
obtained, once a month, or any day at one's choice. 

IX. 

Whoever devoutly pronounces the following aspiration : 
May the most just, the most high, and the most amiable will 
of God be in all things fulfilled, praised, and exalted above 
all, forever ; gains the Indulgences granted in the two prece- 
ding articles. 

X. 

Whoever devoutly pronounces the acts of Faith, Hope, 
and Charity, expressing in them, the special motive of each 
of these virtues, gains a partial Indulgence of seven years, 
and seven times forty days ; and should he recite them daily, 
he may gain a plenary Indulgence once a month, on any dav 
at his option. 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 203 



XI. 

Whoever recites at least once in the day, that is, either in 
the morning, at noon, or towards night, the prayer called An- 
gelus Domini, in honour of our Saviour's Incarnation in the 
womb of the blessed Virgin, at the sound of a church-bell, 
gains an Indulgence for one hundred days each time ; and a 
plenary Indulgence once a month, if he recites it every day. 

N. B. This prayer is to be recited, kneeling on week days, 
but standing, on Sundays, beginning from noon on Saturday. 
During Easter time, the antiphon Regina Cceli, is substituted 
to the Angelus, and always recited standing. 

XII. 

Whoever spends one half, or one quarter of an hour in 
mental prayer or meditation, gains an Indulgence of seven 
years, and seven times forty days, every day ; he may gain a 
plenary Indulgence once a month. The same Indulgences are 
granted both to those who teach the method of mental prayer, 
and to those who receive their instruction. 

XIII. 

If three persons associate together in honour of the most 
holy Trinity, of the Incarnation of the divine word, and of the 
blessed Virgin, Mother of God, to recite jointly or separately 
seven times, Glory be to the Father, tyc. and once Hail Mary, 
4*c. three times a day, viz. morning, noon, and evening j they 
gain an Indulgence of one hundred days, each day of the week ; 
of seven years, and seven times forty days on each Sunday ; and 
should they daily repeat them, a plenary Indulgence twice, each 
month, on two Sundays of their choice. 

XIV. 

Whoever recites in honour and memory of the B. V. Mary 
and the Saints, in the morning, Salve Regina, or Hail holy 
Queen, fyc. with these versicles : Vouchsafe that I may praise 
thee, O blessed Virgin ! give me strength against thy enemies, 
Blesssdis God in his Saints; and in the evening: We fly to 
thy patronage, fyc. with the versicles as above, gains the same 
Indulgence as in the preceding article. 



204 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 



XV. 

A plenary Indulgence, applicable to the souls in purgatory, 
may be obtained by devoutly reciting the prayer, " O bountiful 
and most sweet Jesus," (p. 227) and fulfilling the other requi- 
site conditions, of confession, communion, &c. 

XVI. 

A plenary Indulgence may be obtained in the Diocese c 
Baltimore, on the following days: 1. From Christmas Eve t 
Epiphany. 2. From the first Sunday in Lent, to the second 
inclusively. 3. From Passion-Sunday, to Low-Sunday inclu- 
sively, excepting Good-Friday and Holy- Saturday. 4. From 
Whit-Sunday to the end of the octave of Corpus Christi. 5. 
On the five great festivals of the blessed Virgin Mary, with their 
octaves. 6. On the festivals of Sts. Peter and Paul, of St. 
Michael the Archangel, and within their octaves. 

iV. B. All the foregoing Indulgences may be applied to the 
souls in purgatory, by way of prayer or suffrage, excepting 
Nos. xii. xiii. and xiv. 

OF PARTIAL INDULGENCES. 

There are many partial Indulgences granted by the Sove* 
reign Pontiffs, besides those already mentioned j the most re 
markable of which are. 

1. Five years, and five times forty days Indulgence, for those 
who piously accompany the blessed Sacrament to the houses ~ f 
the sick ; and one hundred days to those who, not being ab 

do so, will say the Lord's prayer, and the Angelical salutatior 
the sick person. 

2. One hundred days Indulgence to those, who salute e; 
other, the one saying, Praised be Jesus Christ; the other; 
swering : Amen, or always, ox forever. To those, who Iie 
generally used this form of salutation during their life, a plena 
Indulgence is granted at the article of death. The like Indi 
gences are imparted to those, who teach others this holy pra 
tice. 

3. Three hundred days indulgence to those, who recite wil 
devotion the Litany of the holy name of Jesus ; also an Indui 



INSTRUCTIONS ON INDULGENCES. 205 



gence of two hundred days to those who devoutly say the Litany 
of the blessed Virgin. 

4. One hundred days Indulgence to those, who pronounce with 
fervour the following prayer : Blessed be the most pure, and ini' 
macidate Conception of the most blessed Virgin Mary. 

5. One hundred days to those, who devoutly say, towards 
night, the Psalm, De Profundis. — Out of the depths, fyc. with 
the versicle, Eternal rest, fyc. for the souls detained in purgatory. 

6. One hundred days to those, who, on Fridays, about three 
o'clock, say rive Our Fathers, and five Hail Marys, with devo- 
tion for the conversion of sinners. 

7. Fifty days to those, who devoutly pray for those who are in 
the agony of death, saying at least, one Our Father and Hail 
Mary, or the Salve Regina. 

8. Twenty-five days to those, who devoutly pronounce the 
holy name of Jesus, or Mary ; thirty days to those who reve- 
rently bow their head at the Gloi^ia Fatri, fyc. ; twenty days to 
those who do the same to the holy names of Jesus, or Mary ; 
also, forty days to those, who kiss the Cross with sentiments of 
devotion. 



A PRAYER 

To be said before gaining any Indulgence. 

I offer thee, 0 my God, the action or the 
prayers I am going to perform for the glory of thy 
holy Name, for the exaltation of thy holy Church, 
the extirpation of Schisms and Heresies, for 
peace among Christian Princes : for all the inten- 
tion of this same Church. 

s 



206 



AGNUS DEI. 



A PRAYER 

To be daily said by those ivho carry about them 
an Agnus Dei. 

0 my Lord Jesus Christ, the true Lamb that 
takest away the sins of the world ! by thy mercy, 
which is infinite, pardon my iniquities ; and by 
thy sacred passion preserve me this day from all 
sin and evil. I carry about me this holy Agnus 
Dei in thy honour, as a preservative against my 
own weakness, and as an incentive to the practice 
of meokness, humility, and innocence, which 
thou hast taught. I offer myself up to thee as 
an entire oblation, and in memory of that sacri- 
fice of love, thou offeredst for me on the cross, 
and in satisfaction for my sins. Accept, O my 
God, the oblation I make, and may it be agree- 
able to thee in the odour of sweetness. Amen. 



PLAN OF AN ASSOCIATION IN HONOUR OF 
JESUS CHRIST. 

TRULY AND RtiALLY PRESENT IN THE SACRAMENT OF 
THE BLESSED EUCHARIST. 

£ 

Tlie Design and Object of this Association. 

The adoration of Jesus Christ in this most 
holy Sacrament is an act of religion ; founded on 
the plainest dictates of Catholic faith, and war- 



PLAN OF AN ASSOCIATION. 



207 



ranted by the practice of the earliest Fathers, and 
best ages of Christianity. For if we believe his 
sacred Body to be substantially and really pre- 
sent under the appearances of bread and wine, 
we owe to it every testimony of our most pro- 
found respect and every token of worship due 
to the Divinity, with which it is inseparably 
united. 

This sacred body has its residence on the altars 
of God, not only occasionally, but continually, 
that it may never cease from shedding blessings 
on mankind, and administering consolations to 
them in all their necessities. It has therefore a 
claim on their perpetual gratitude, and it demands, 
without interruption, their thanks, their love and 
their homage. 

To fulfil this duty is the object of the associa- 
tion ; by which many enter into a holy partner- 
ship and agreement to discharge, by their united 
endeavours, that debt of jjerpetaal adoration, 
which no one, singly, can perform, on account of 
his unavoidable occupations, and the cares atten- 
dant on human kind. In consequence of such 
an association, the worship and honour rendered 
to the Blessed Sacrament, by each member of it, 
is made the act of all, and continually recom- 
mends all to divine favour and protection. They 
contract a close union with Jesus Christ, they 
enter into a more special Society with the Angels 
and Saints, and into a communication in all good 
works with many holy persons, members of the 
Association throughout the world. 

Another powerful motive to induce all faithful 



20S 



PLAN OF 



children of the Church to enter into this Associa- 
tion is, that by complying with its rules and di- 
rections, they will make, as far as they are able, 
reparation to Jesus Christ for the many profa- 
nations of, and great disrespect manifested to- 
wards this his most wonderful and salutary Sa- 
crament, by Unbelievers, Libertines, wicked Ca- 
tholics, and perhaps even by themselves. 

Rules and Instructions for JWembers of this Asso- 
ciation. 

II. 

1. All persons desiring to become members of 
it, are to apply to their respective pastors ; and 
after admission, to have their names inscribed in 
a book kept for this purpose. 

2. One hour, in the course of every year, or 
oftener, according to the number and devotion of 
the associates, is to be allotted to each one, to be 
employed by him, in acts of religious worship 
and adoration, in presence of the Blessed Sacra- 
ment. The days and hours assigned to each 
member of the association are to be entered like- 
wise, in the same book, immediately after theia 
several names. 

3. Previous to the hour of adoration, each one 
should endeavour, as far as may be necessary, to 
obtain from God forgiveness of his sins, and the 
grace of justification, using to this effect the 
penitential works ordained by Christ, that is, 
compunction of heart, renouncing of sin, and 
sacramental Confession. 



AN ASSOCIATION. 



209 



4. The religious exercises most appropriated 
to the object of the association, and which ought 
to fill up the hour allotted, are those of steadfast 
and animated faith ; of a fervent love of God ; a 
sincere desire of contributing to spread the know- 
ledge and honour due to the sacred humanity of 
Jesus Christ, veiled under the humble appear- 
ances of bread and wine ; and finally, an earnest 
endeavour to atone for the many outrages and 
insults, which it suffers, either from infidelity or 
impiety. 

5. If any unexpected hindrance should pre- 
vent a member of the association from perform- 
ing his religious engagement on the day and 
hour appointed, he may choose some other time, 
and substitute another associate, in his stead, for 
the time which had been first allotted. 

6. They, who on account of distance or other 
sufficient and weighty reasons, cannot pass the 
hour assigned to them in a Church, and before 
the Blessed Sacrament, may perform their reli- 
gious exercises at home ; or on the road, if tra- 
velling on necessary business ; or even at work 
in cases of great and indispensable urgency : 
provided, that while they are so employed, they 
cherish in their hearts a desire of fulfilling the 
purposes of the association, that they direct their 
affections towards the blessed Sacrament in the 
nearest Church or Chapel, and adore Jesus 
Christ residing therein for the love of men. 
They may and should use some such prayer as 
the following : 

0 Jesus ! allow me to unite my adoration, and 
s 2 



210 



PLAN OF 



acts of love to those, which thou now offer est to thy 
eternal Father, Accept the tender of my love, 
gratitude and humble atonement, as thou receivest 
the thanksgivings made to thee in Heaven, by thy 
blessed JWother, and the Saints ; and by thy faith- 
ful adorers on earth, 

7. The members of the association ought to 
embrace every opportunity of manifesting their 
devotion to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacra- 
ment ; such as being present at Mass, whenever 
they can without much inconvenience ; serving 
at it, if they be able ; and as circumstances will 
permit, accompanying the priest, when he carries 
the blessed Eucharist to the sick. 

8. On every Thursday, in commemmoration 
of the day, in which the Holy Sacrament was 
instituted, particular devotion to it is recom- 
mended. 

9. The associates are earnestly exhorted to 
confess and communicate, at least once a month, 
and on all the great festivals of our Lord, and his 
Blessed Mother. 

10. Above all, let each one, according to the 
measure of God's grace imparted to him, endea- 
vour to transcribe into his own life, those won- 
derful examples of charity, humility, obedience, 
mortification, prayer, retiredness, and so many 
other virtues discoverable in Jesus Christ, 
veiling his majesty and awful greatness under 
the symbols of bread and wine. 



AN ASSOCIATION. 



211 



III. 

Indulgences granted to the JWemhers of this Asso- 
ciation. 

Every associate may obtain a plenary indul- 
gence at the ensuing specified times : 1. On the 
day of his enrolment into the association, if at 
the same time, he shall confess his sins, and re- 
ceive worthily the Blessed Sacrament. 2. On 
(he day in which he is to spend an hour in ador- 
ing and honouring it, or on any day of that week, 
and under the same condition of confession and 
communion. 3. Once likewise every month, 
provided he pray devoutly one hour before the 
most Holy Sacrament. 4. The same indulgence 
In granted to the associates, who shall confess 
and communicate on any of the following days : 
viz. the Sunday within the Octave of the feast 
of the Blessed Sacrament ; the Sunday within 
the Octave of All-Saints ; the first Sunday of 
Advent ; the feast of the Epiphany ; the first 
Sunday in Lent ; Maunday Thursday ; the first 
Sunday of May ; on the feast of the Ascension 
of the Lord; on the 17th day of September, the 
feast of St. Lambert. The benefit of these in- 
dulgences may be applied to the relief of souls 
suffering in purgatory. Finally, a plenary indul- 
gence is granted likewise to all associates when 
they lie dangerously ill. 



A prayer to be said at the time of Admission into 
this Association. 
My Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ! I, 



212 



PLAN OF AN ASSOCIATION 



JY*. JY. thy unworthy servant, being moved with 
sentiments of sincere gratitude for the inestima- 
ble blessing bestowed on us in the Sacrament of 
thy most holy Body and Blood, and with an ear- 
nest desire of offering to thee the most perfect 
homage in my power, humbly beseech thee to 
admit me this day into the company of thy ser- 
vants, associated together, that they may honour 
thee by their perpetual and uninterrupted adora- 
tion : and I promise faithfully to devote to this 
sacred duty and exercise, and in the best manner 
I shall be able, one hour from till of 

the day of every year of my life. 

Grant me thy powerful grace, that by keeping the 
divine commandments here, I may be made wor- 
thy to join my adorations in Heaven, with those 
of the Saints and angels standing forever before 
the throne of thy Eternal Father. Amen. 

,B. Prayer to be said by the Associates every day* 

O most bountiful Saviour and God ! how 
happy are they, who free from worldly concerns, 
are able to offer continually to thy Sovereign 
Majesty, their tribute of thanks, of homage and 
adoration, for that infinite mercy, by which thou 
remainest truly present on the altars, under the 
humble appearances of bread and wine. Thou 
knowest, 0 Lord ! that I cannot enjoy the happi- 
ness of being always before thy holy tabernacles; 
but I will honour and bless thee, as much as lies 
in my power, by uniting myself to-day to those 
pious Christians, who have associated themselves* 
together to praise and glorify thee. Accept their 



BONA MORS. 213 

prayers, 0 Lord ! and may they become likewise 
mine, by the society I have contracted with 
them ; and by the union of our hearts and de- 
sires. Amen. 



BONA MORS; 

OR, A PIOUS ASSOCIATION FOR OBTAINING BY MUTUAL 
PRAYERS, THE BLESSING OF A HAPPY DEATH. 

" I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me ; write : 
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Apoc. xiv. 13. 

Prayers at public meetings and for private devo- 
tions. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Open, 0 Lord ! our mouths, to bless thy holy 
name ; cleanse our hearts from all vain and dis- 
tracting thoughts ; enlighten our understandings, 
mflame our will, that we may worthily perform 
this holy exercise with attention, and devotion, and 
may deserve to be heard in the presence of thy 
divine Majesty, w r ho w T ith the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

Lord ! have mercy on us. 
Christ ! have mercy on us. 
Lord ! have mercy on us. 



214 



BONA MORS. 



Holy Mary ! 

All ye holy angels and arch-angels ! 
St. Abel ! 

All ye choirs of just souls ! 
St. Abraham ! 
St. John the Baptist ! 
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets f 
St. Peter ! 
St. Paul ! 
St. Andrew! 
St. John ! 

All ye holy apostles and evangelists ! 
All ye holy disciples of our Lord ! 
All ye holy innocents ! 
St. Stephen ! 
St. Laurence ! 
All ye holy martyrs ! 
St. Silvester! 
St. Gregory! 
St. Augustin ! 

All ye holy bishops and confessors ! 
St. Benedict ! 
St. Francis ! 

All ye holy monks and hermits ! 
St. Marv Magdalen ! 
St. Lucy ! 

All ye holy Virgins and widows ! 
All ye saints of God ! make intercession for us! 
Be merciful unto us, spare us, O Lord I 
Be merciful unto us, hear us, O Lord ! 
From thy anger, 
From the danger of death, 
From an unfortunate death, 
From the pains of hell, 
From all evil, 

From the power of the devil, 
Through thy nativity, 
Through thy cross and passion, 
Through thy death and burial, 
Through thy glorious resurrection, 
Through thy admirable ascension, 



o 



BONA MORS. 



215 



Through the grace of the Holy Ghost the comforter, O lard, 
ieliver us. 

In the day of judgment, O Lord, deliver us. 

W e sinners, do beseech thee to hear us. 

That, thou spare us, we beseech thee to hear us. 

Lord ! have mercy on us. 

Christ ! have mercy on us. 

Lord ! have mercy on us. 

Let us pray. 
May thy clemency vouchsafe, 0 God ! so to 
confirm thy servants in thy holy grace, that at 
the hour of their death, the enemy may not pre- 
vail against them, but that with thy angels, they 
may deserve to pass into life everlasting ; through 
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Omnipotent* and most merciful Creator ! 
who, to refresh thy thirsty people in the desert, 
didst command streams of water to flow from the 
hardest rocks, draw, we beseech thee, from our 
dry eyes, and stony hearts, desired tears of per- 
fect compunction, that we may fully detest all 
sin, and only thirst after the happy and glorious 
vision of thee, our God, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

An act of contrition. 

My dear Lord, Jesus Christ, redeemer of the 
world ! Behold prostrate at thy feet, the most 
unhappy, and the most ungrateful creature on 
the face of the earth. My God ! I have offend- 
ed thee most grievously, in thoughts, w r ords, and 
deeds. My heinous crimes fixed thee on the 
bloody cross. To rescue me from eternal dam- 



216 



BONA MORS. 



nation, thou didst agonise three hours on Mount 
Calvary. But oh! how much am I displeasec 
with myself! How I grieve for having offender 
thee, a God of infinite goodness, and of infinite 
charity ! I am astonished, and confounded at 
thy incomprehensible patience, in supporting the 
most provoking wretch that breathes. From the 
very bottom of my heart, I detest all my sins ; 
and because I love thee, and will love thee above 
all things created, I steadfastly purpose, by thy 
holy grace, never to offend thee more, and to die 
a thousand deaths, rather than commit one mor- 
tal sin. Amen. 



The statio?is of the sacred passions. 

O most sweet Jesus! praying to the Father in the garden, 
sorrowful even unto death, and sweating in an agony of grief, 
have mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! delivered by the traitor's kiss into the 
hands of thy enemies, seized and bound like a thief, and aban- 
doned by thy disciples, have mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus! By the unjust verdict of the Jews, 
found guilty of death, brought like a malefactor before the tri- 
bunal of Pilate, scorned and derided by impious Herod, have 
mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! stripped of thy garments, and most 
inhumanely scourged at the pillar, have mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! crowned with thorns, blindfolded, 
buffetted, struck with a reed, clothed in derision with a purple 
garment, and many other ways scorned and reviled, 'have 
mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord' have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! reputed more criminal than Barabbas 



BONA MORS. 



21", 



the murderer, rejected by the Jews, and condemned to the ig« 
nominious death of the cross, have mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! loaded with a heavy cross, and led 
like an innocent lamb to the place of execution, have mercy 
on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! hanging between two thieves, derided, 
blasphemed, made to taste vinegar and gall, and enduring 
most horrible torments from the sixth to the ninth hour, have 
mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! dead upon the cross, in the presence 
of thy holy mother, and wounded in thy side with a spear, 
whence issued forth water and blood, have mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! taken down from the cross, and 
bathed with the tears of thy most sorrowful mother, have 
mercy on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 

O most sweet Jesus ! torn and bruised all over, thy body 
bearing the sacred marks of thy five most precious wounds, 
embalmed with spices, and laid in the sepulchre, have mercy 
on us. 

Resp. Have mercy on us, O Lord ! have mercy on us. 
Vers. He truly bore our sorrows. 
Resp. And he carried our grief. 

Let us pray. 

0 God ! who, for the redemption of the world, 
didst vouchsafe to be born, circumcised, rejected 
by the Jews, betrayed with a kiss, bound like a 
malefactor, like an innocent lamb, led to slaughter, 
ignominiously brought before Annas, Caiphas, 
Pilate, and Herod, accused by false witnesses, 
scourged with whips, buffetted, defiled with spit- 
tle, crowned with thorns, stripped of thy clothes, 
fastened to the cross, placed between two thieves ; 
to have vinegar and gall given thee to drink, and 

T 



218 



BONA MORS. 



ihy side pierced through with a spear : mayest 
thou, O Lord, by these most grievous pains, 
which I, though unworthy, do commemorate, and 
by thy most sacred death, and passion, free me 
from [he pains of hell, and conduct me, whither 
thy mercy conducted the good thief, crucified with 
thee, who, together with the Father, and the Holy 
Ghost, livest and reignest forever. Amen. 

DEVOUT ADDRESSES TO THE FIVE WOUNDS OF 
OUR SAVIOUR. 

[Let us adore the five most sacred wounds of 
Christ, our Lord, and each one in particular, with 
an assured confidence of obtaining all blessings 
through his passion and death, offered for us to 
his eternal Father. We will also condole with 
the most holy Mother of Christ, whose soul was 
pierced with the sword of grief, standing under 
the cross of her beloved Son. We will likewise 
praise and magnify the most blessed Trinity, for 
so great and incomprehensible a benefit.] 

To the wound of the left foot. 

My Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly adore the 
most sacred wound of thy left foot. I render 
thee thanks for that cruel pain, suffered with so 
great love and charity. I feelingly compassionate 
thy torments, and the excessive grief of thy most 
afflicted Mother. I humbly beg pardon for all 
my sins, which I lament more than all imaginable 
evils, because they offend thee, 0 infinite good- 
ness ! And I resolve never more to sin. 0 I 



BONA MORS. 



219 



bring all sinners with me, to a true conversion, 
and give them light to discover the heinousness, 
the enormity, and brutality of a mortal crime. 

Our Father.— Hail Mary, &c. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 

To the wound of the right foot. 

My Lord, Jesus Christ ! I humbly adore the 
most sacred wound of thy right foot. I render 
thee thanks for that cruel pain, suffered with so 
great love and charity. I feelingly compassionate 
thy torments, and the excessive grief of thy most 
afflicted mother. I supplicate thee to grant me 
strength against all temptations, and a prompt 
obedience in the execution of thy divine will. 
Comfort, 0 Jesus ! all poor, miserable, afflicted, 
tempted and persecuted persons. Most just 
Judff e, govern those who administer justice, and 
assist all labourers in the cure of souls, whether 
amongst Christians or Infidels. 

Our Father— Hail Mary— Glory, &c. 

To the wound of the left hand. 

My Lord, Jesus Christ ! I humbly adore the 
most sacred wound of thy left hand. I render 
thee thanks for that cruel pain, suffered with so 
great love and charity. I feelingly compassionate 
thy torments, and the excessive grief of thy most 
afflicted mother. By them I petition thee, to de- 
liver me from the pains of hell, and grant me pa- 
tience and conformity to thy blessed pleasure, in 
all the contradictions of this present life. I offer 



220 BONA MORS. 

unto thee all my exterior and interior sufferings, 
in satisfaction for my sins, which have so often 
deserved eternal torments. I beg thee to pardon 
ail my enemies, and others ill-affected towards 
me. Bless, 0 Lord ! the sick with patience and 
health, support, with thy assisting grace, all those 
who are in agonies, that they may not perish. 
Our Father— Hail Mary— Glory be, &c. 

To the ivound of the right hand. 

My Lord, Jesus Christ! I humbly adore the 
most sacred wound of thy right hand. I render 
thee thanks for that cruel pain, suffered with so 
great love and charity. I feelingly compassionate 
thy torments, and the excessive grief of thy most 
afflicted mother. I supplicate thee to grant me a 
firm and resolute will, in all things relating to my 
salvation. Bless me with final perseverance in 
grace, to secure the enjoyment of that glory, 
which was purchased at the price of thy most 
sacred blood. Grant also, my Jesus ! speedy 
peace and repose to the souls in Purgatory. 
Cause thy holy servants in this world, to make 
daily progress in perfection, especially those, who 
are of this confraternity. 

Our Father — Hail Mary — Glory be, &c. 

To the tvound in the sacred side. 

My Lord, Jesus Christ ! I humbly adore the 
most sacred wound in thy blessed side, rendering 
thanks for the immense love, manifested towards 
us at the opening of thy inflamed heart. 1 feel- 
ingjy condole the affronts, and the excessive grief 



BONA MORS, 



221 



of thy most afflicted mother. Grant me pure 
iove, and perfect charity, that loving thee above 
all things, and all things in thee, my miserable 
soul, by the assistance of thy holy grace, may be 
worthy to be breathed out, in the sacred wound 
of thy blessed side. I humbly beg thee, dear 
Jesus ! to protect thy holy Catholic Church, di- 
rect thy governing Vicar upon earth, all ecclesi- 
astical orders, and secular persons, who are in- 
strumental in bringing souls to do their duty. 
Preserve in thy happy service, all Christian Kings 
and Princes. Reduce into the way of salvation, 
all those that are gone astray, whether through 
malice or ignorance. Bring under thy sweet 
yoke all infidels, heretics, and other enemies of 
thy holy name. 

Our Father— Hail Mary— Glory be, &c. 

Let us jiray. 

0 Lord, Jesus Christ ! God of my heart ! by 
those five wounds, which the love of us inflicted 
on thee, succour thy servants, whom thou hast 
redeemed with thy precious blood. Amen. 

Most merciful Redeemer ! I humbly beseech 
thee, by the unspeakable torments, and the im- 
mense grief, which thou wast pleased to suffer 
for me, a contemptible creature, especially when 
thy divine soul was bitterly separated from thy 
blessed body, that thou wilt secure my poor soul 
at the final separation, and comfort me then, as 
thou didst the good thief, saying to me ; this day 
thou shall be with me in Paradise. Amen. 
t2 



222 



BONA MORS. 



[Let us have recourse to the ever immaculate 
Virgin, Mother of God, beseeching her to pro- 
tect us under the shadow of her wings, until the 
wrath of God be appeased ; and to obtain for us 
true contrition, and perseverance in the holy grace 
of her blessed Son. We will also petition for 
what each one, here present, stands m need of, 
according to his spiritual or temporal necessities, 
to the greater glory of God. To merit these fa- 
vours, we will pray in union with that more than 
seraphic love, wherewith the dolorous Mother 
stood under the Cross of bleeding Jesus.] 

Stabat Mater dolorosa. 

Under the world's redeeming wood, 
The most afflicted Mother stood, 
Mingling her tears with her Son's blood. 

As that stream'd down from every part, 
Of all his wounds she felt the smart, 
What pierced his body, pierced her heart. 

"Who can with tearless eyes look on, 
When such a Mother, such a Son, 
Wounded and gasping, does bemoan ? 

O ! worse than Jewish heart that could, 
Unmoved, behold the double flood, 
Of Mary's tears, and Jesus' blood. 

It is our sins, alas ! — not his, 

For which he bleeds, for which he dies, 

In this atoning sacrifice. 

When graves did open, rocks were rent, 
When nature, and each element, 
His torments and his grief resent ; 



BONA MORS. 



223 



Shall man, the cause of all his pain, 
And all his grief, shall sinful man 
Alone, insensible remain ? 

Ah ! pious Mother, teach my heart 
Of sighs and tears the holy art, 
And in thy grief to bear a part. 

The sword of grief that did pass through 
Thy very soul, O ! may it now, 
One kind wound cn my heart bestow. 

Great Queen of sorrows ! in thy train, 
Let me a mourner's place obtain, 
With tears to cleanse all sinful stain* 

Refuge of sinners ! grant that we 
May tread thy steps and let it be 
Our sorrow not to grieve with thee. 

Oh ! may the wounds of thy dear Son, 
Our contrite hearts possess alone, 
And all terrene affections drown. 

May they such impressions make, 
That we of suff'ring for his sake, 
May joyfully our portion take. 

Let us his proper badge put on, 

Let's glory in his cross alone, 

By which he marks us for his own. 

That when the dreadful day shall come, 
For ev'ry man to hear his doom, 
On his right hand we may find room. 

Oh ! hear us, Mary ! Jesus, hear ! 
Our humble prayers, secure our fear, 
When thou in judgment shalt appear 



224 



BONA MORS. 



Now give us sorrow, give us love, 

That so prepared we may remove, 

When called to the blest seats above. Amen, 

V. The sword of sorrow has pierced thy soul. 
JR. That out of many hearts, cogitations may be revealed, 

Let us pray. 

We beseech thee, 0 Lord, Jesus Christ ! that 
the blessed Virgin Mary, may effectually inter- 
cede for us with thy clemency, both now, and at 
the hour of our death, she, who at the hour of thy 
passion, had her most holy soul run through with 
the sword of sorrow ; who livest and reignest 
with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God, 
world without end. Amen. 

[Let us say our Father, and Hail Mary, three 
times, in memory of the three hours, our dear 
Redeemer hung upon the cross, and apply them 
to the souls of the departed of this confraternity.] 

Our Father, &c. 

[Let us also say an Our Father, and a Hail 
Mary, for such as are in the lamentable state ol 
mortal sin.] 

Our Father, &c. 

[Let us again say an Our Father, and a Hail 
Mary, for him or her of this confraternity, that is 
to die next, that he or she may be prepared, and 
depart heartily fortified with the holy sacraments 
of the Church.] 

Our Father, &c. 

[Let us dispose ourselves by acts of perfect 
contrition and pure love of God, to receive wor- 



BONA MORS. 



225 



thily the benediction of our Lord and Saviour in 
the adorable sacrament of the altar.] 

Merciful Redeemer, and holy God of infinite 
patience ! great is my confusion to appear in thy 
divine presence, having so frequently postponed 
thee, the omnipotent Creator of the universe, to 
vile and contemptible creatures. I am a miser- 
able worm of the earth, who utterly detest my 
horrid confidence of sinning in thy most pure 
sight ; I own myself a notorious criminal, and I 
plead guilty at the bar of thy dread tribunal. 
Thou mightst have been glorified in thy justice, 
by suddenly striking me dead, and by condemn- 
ing me to eternal flames, for base indignities com- 
mitted against thee. But thou wert pleased to be 
glorified in the high prerogative of thy mercy, by 
calling me back to repentance. I abhor all my 
crimes of thought, word, and deed, not for the 
hope of reward, or fear of punishment, but for 
thy own sake, and because thou dost infinitely 
abominate them. Oh! my God of majesty and 
mercy ! look upon those sacred marks in thy 
hands, feet and side, which thou retainest in thy 
glorified body, to plead my pardon. By that ten- 
der love, which induced thee to create, redeem 
and sanctify me, unite the abyss of thy merits, to 
the abyss of my misery. I declare before thy 
throne, and before the whole court of heaven, that 
I freely choose to die here upon my knees, rather 
than to live any longer, to rob thee of due honour, 
by one mortal sin. My heart was created for 
thee, and I love thee more than myself. Every 
respiration coming from me, especially the last, 



226 



LITANY FOR A GOOD DEATH. 



when I breathe out my soul, shall be an irrevoca- 
ble protestation of my pure and sincere love of 
thy divine Majesty. Sweet Saviour of perishing 
mankind ! who openest thy hand, and fillest every 
creature with benediction, give me now, such a 
blessing as thou didst bestow on thy beloved dis- 
ciples, when ascending in triumph from Mount 
Olivet, that I may live and die in this happy dis- 
position. Jlmen. 

[When this exercise is performed in public, it 
is terminated by the benediction of the blessed 
sacrament.] 

THE LITANY FOR OBTAINING A GOOD DEATH. 

Lord Jesus, gracious God, Father of mercy ! I present my 
self before thee with an humble and contrite heart. — I recom 
mend my last hour, and all that shall follow, into thy hands. 

When my immoveable feet will warn me, that my 
course in this life will soon be finished, 

When my eyes, obscured at the approach of death, 
shall cast their dying looks towards thee, 

When my lips, cold and trembling, will pronounce for 
the last time thy adorable name, 

When my pale and livid cheeks, will inspire the be- 
holders with compassion, 

When the cold sweat of death will announce my ap- 
proaching end, 

When my ears shall be about to close to every human 
voice, and open only to hear the irrevocable sentence of 
thy justice, which shall separate me from the number of 
the living, 

When my imagination, agitated by dark and terrifying 
phantoms, will be plunged in cruel sadness, 

When my mind, troubled at the sight of my iniquities, 
and by the fear of thy justice, shall contend with the an- 
gel of darkness, who would hide thy mercies from me, 
and cast me into despair, 

When my weak heart, overpowered by the pains of 
sickness, will be seized with the horrors of death, 



DEVOUT PRAYERS, &C. 227 

When I shall be surrounded by my relatives and ] 
friends, lamenting my sad condition, and offering up to 
thee their supplications in my behalf, 

When I shall shed my last tears, the forerunners of my 
dissolution, receiving them as a tribute of penance, 

When I shall have lost the use of my senses, and the 
whole world shall disappear from my view, 

When the last sighs of my heart shall force my soul 
from my body, accepting them as expressive of a holy 
impatience to be thine, 

When my soul shall be on my lips, departing from this 
world, and shall leave my body cold and lifeless, accept- 
ing the destruction of my being, as a homage paid to thy 
divine majesty, 

When my soul shall appear before thee, and for the 
first time behold the glory of thy countenance, oh ! that 
it may not be then cast- from thee, but that it may be re- 
ceived into the bosom of thy mercy, to sing thy praises 
forever 

Let us pray. 

O God ! who condemning us to death, hast 
concealed from us the moment of its occurrence, 
grant, that spending all the days of our lives in 
justice and holiness, we may have the happiness 
to breathe our last in thy love : through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 
y 



A PRAYER TO THE FIVE WOUNDS * 

0 bountiful and most sweet Jesus ! humbly 
prostrate before thee, I implore and conjure thee, 



* A peculiar indulgence has been attached by H. H. P. 
Pius VII. to the recital of this prayer. For the conditions, see 
Indulgences. 



I 



228 DEVOUT PRAYERS, &C. 

with all the fervour of my soul, to engrave upon 
my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and cha- 
rity, a true repentance for my wanderings, and a 
firm purpose to correct them : whilst with feeling 
grief, I ponder in spirit the pains of thy five 
wounds ; having in mind these words of the Pro- 
phet David : they have pierced my hands and my 
feet ; they have numbered all my bones. 

THE ADMISSION PRAYER TO JESUS 
CHRIST. 

Jesus, my God and Saviour ! sacrificed on the 
altar of the cross for the redemption of mankind ; 
I, JY. though most unworthy, yet confiding in thy 
infinite mercy, and moved by an earnest desire 
and tender devotion towards thy adorable suffer- 
ings and life-giving death, to dedicate myself as a 
perpetual offering to thy divine majesty, in the 
pious association of thy painful agony and thy 
blessed Mother grieving under the cross. I most 
humbly beseech thee, by the separation of thy di- 
vine soul from thy sacred body, that I, and all the 
Associates, both now and at the hour of our death, 
may obtain full remission of our sins, and, being 
fortified with the sacraments of thy holy church, 
may with thee and by thee triumph over the devL 
and death. Amen. 

To the blessed Virgin. 

Mother of God, Mother of mercy ! I beseech 
thee by that cruel sword of sorrow, which pierced 
thy afflicted soul, when standing under the cross 



DEVOUT PRAYERS, &C. 



229 



of thy beloved Son, thou didst see him die for my 
salvation, that thou wilt please to be favourable to 
me, both now, and at the last period of my mortal 
life. Permit not, 0 great comforter of sinners ! 
that it ever should be said, thou hast left a soul 
in extreme necessity, which had recourse to thee: 
but vouchsafe to look on me, and all Associates, 
with those eyes of tender compassion, with which 
thou didst behold Jesus Christ, when expiring on 
Jilount Calvary, that with thee, we may praise 
him, the Father, and the Holy Ghost, for all eter- 
nity. Amen. 

To St. Joseph. 

Glorious St. Joseph, who was so happy as to 
quit the earth in the divine arms of Jesus thy God, 
and JVLary thy immaculate Spouse ; come, I be- 
seech thee, to succour me, and all Associates, 
both now, and when dreadful death shall terminate 
our temporal lives. Beg for us, that dying to the 
world and ourselves, we may live wholly to 
Christ, and when the happy hour of our dissolu- 
tion draws near, defend us from the furious at- 
tacks of the infernal enemy ; that being secured 
from all sin, we may breathe out our souls joy- 
fully, with our lips upon the cross. Amen. 

To the good Angel. 

My most dear and blessed Angel, guardian of 
my soul and body, whom God has appointed to 
watch over me at the hour of death ; with pro- 
found grief for my former ingratitude, I kneel be- 

u 



230 



DAILY EXERCISE, 



fore thee, offering an inviolable tender of future 
service, I beg a favour, which thou earnestly 
desirest to bestow on me, that thou wilt comfort 
and protect me, both now and in my agony, and 
likewise all others who associate themselves for 
this end. Vouchsafe to hear me, since thou lovest 
me ; fortify me in the combat, being thereon that 
my salvation depends ; conduct me to Heaven, 
for which thou art deputed my guide. Amen. 



A SHORT AND DAILY EXERCISE FOR THE SUF- 
FERING SOULS IN PURGATORY: 

TO WHICH IS ADDED, A SHORT PETITION FOR THOSE 
WHO ARE IN THE AGONY OF DEATH. 

(This maybe used after Night Prayers.) 
Sunday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you 
by the precious blood you spilt in the Garden ot 
Olives, that you will give your blessing to those, 
who are in their Agony, and that you will deliver 
the poor souls from Purgatory, but especially that 
which is the most abandoned. Conduct it to your 
glory, where it will praise and bless you forever 
and ever. Amen. 

Our Father, Hail Mary, and De Profundis. 

Monday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you by 
the precious blood you spilt during your cruel 
whipping at the Pillar, that you will give your 



DAILY EXERCISE. 



231 



blessing to those, who are in their Agony, and 
that you will deliver the poor souls from Purga- 
tory, but especially that which is nearest to its de- 
liverance. Conduct it to your glory, where it will 
praise and bless you forever and ever. Amen. 
Our Father, &c. 

Tuesday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you by 
the precious blood you spilt at your crowning with 
Thorns, that you will give your blessing to those, 
who are in their Agony, and that you will deliver 
the poor souls from Purgatory, but especially that 
which suffers the most. Conduct it to your glory, 
where it will praise and bless you forever and ever- 
Amen. 

Our Father, &c. 

Wednesday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you by 
the precious blood you spilt along the streets of 
Jerusalem, carrying your cross upon your sacred 
shoulders, that you will give your blessing to 
those, who are in their Agony, and that you will 
deliver the poor souls from Purgatory, but espe- 
cially that which is the richest in merits. Conduct 
it to your glory, where it will praise and bless you 
forever and ever. Amen. 

Our Father, &c. 

Thursday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you by 
your precious body and blood, which you gave to 



232 



DAILY EXERCISE. 



your Apostles at your last Supper, the eve of 
your Passion, that you would give your blessing 
to those, who are in their Agony, and that you 
will deliver the poor souls from Purgatory, but 
especially that which whilst in this world, was 
most devout to the blessed Sacrament of the Altar. 
Conduct it to your glory, where it will praise and 
bless you forever and ever. Amen. 
Our Father, &c. 

Fridaij. 

O Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you 
by the precious blood you spilt on the Cross on 
the day of your Crucifixion, that you will give 
your blessing to those, who are in their Agony, 
and that you will deliver the poor souls from 
Purgatory, but especially that which I have the 
greatest obligations to. Conduct it to your glo- 
ry, where it will praise and bless you forever and 
ever. Amen. 

Our Father, &c. 

Saturday. 

0 Lord Jesus Christ ! I humbly beg of you 
by the precious blood, which flowed from your 
blessed side, that you will give your blessing to 
those, who are in their Agony, and that you will 
deliver the poor souls from Purgatory, but es- 
pecially that which is most dear to your blessed 
Mother. Conduct it to your glory, where it will 
praise and bless you forever and ever. Amen* 

Our Father, &c. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDITATIONS. ^33 

The Prayer after the De Profundis. 

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the 
faithful ! grant to the souls of thy servants de- 
parted, but especially to that dear soul ivhich I pray 
for to-day, the remission of all their sins, that 
through the help of pious supplications, they may 
obtain the pardon, which they have always been 
desirous of, who lives t and reignest world with- 
out end. Amen. 



SUBJECTS FOR MEDITATIONS, FOR EVERY DAY 
IN THE WEEK. 

With desolation is all the land made desolate, because 
there is none thai considereth in his heart. Jeremiah, ch. 
xii. v. 11. 

Sunday. 

1st. Point. We must all die, and quit all we take con- 
tent in. 

2df. Point. Our best friends will abandon us, and leave 
us nothing but a winding-sheet. 

3d. Point. Therefore quit all affections to creatures before 
they quit you. 

JMonday. 

1. Death is certain, the time and manner uncertain, whe- 
ther by a long disease or some unexpected accident. 

2. The Son of Man will come at an hour we little expect. 

3. Be therefore ready every moment, seeing you may die 
every moment. 

Tuesday. 

1. You can onlv die once, and if you die ill, the loss is irre- 
parable. 

u 2 



234 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR 



2. If any one from hell could return to life, how would be 
prepare for death ! 

3. Let the misery of another be your instruction. 

Wednesday. 

1. Death is often nearer than you imagine, and many who 
have promised themselves a long life, have been cut off. 

2. Are you so ready, that if death comes, it will be no 
surprise ? 

3. Do not live in such a state in which you dare not die. 

Thursday 

1. Learn every day the art of dying well. 

2. Defer not doing penance till the hour of death. 

3. At that time the pains of your body and anguish of your 
mind will take up all your thoughts. 

Friday. 

1. Live as you intend to die, for you will die as you live. 

2. If you forget God in your life time, you will be forgotten 
in the hour of your death. 

3. The death of the wicked is miserable, the death of the 
just is precious in the sight of God. 

Saturday 

1. Consider what will most affright you at the hour of 
death, the sins you have committed, the doubtful state of your 
soul, and the thought of eternity. 

2. O death, how bitter is thy memory to a man th&'i hath 
pesxe in his riches. 

3. Quit therefore all affection to temporal felicity. 




MEDITATIONS. 



235 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDITATIONS. 

The wise man will give his heart to resort early to the 
Lord who made him, and he will pray in the sight of the 
Most High, Eccles. xxxix. 6. 

The great misfortune of a soul's not making any progress 
in the way of a spiritual life, proceeds mostly from a general 
neglect of meditation. Whosoever therefore is desirous to 
promote the interest of his eternal welfare, must resolve to ex- 
ercise himself every day in mental prayer, or meditation ; that 
he may the better perform this holy exercise, I will here lay 
down a few short instructions. 

In the first place, you must put yourself in the presence of 
God, by a lively act of faith. 2. Adore him thus present with 
most profound humility. Offer yourself wholly to him with all 
the sincerity of your heart, and beg of him to give light to your 
understanding, that you may know and penetrate those truths 
you are about to meditate upon, and strengthen your will, that 
you may readily embrace them. This is what we call prepara- 
tion prayer. 

In the second place, with your understanding you must ponder 
very attentively the words of each point of your meditation, and 
minutely consider whatsoever is proposed to you in every point. 
2. Examine whether the tenor of life you have hitherto led, has 
been conformable to that truth or maxim you are meditating 
upon ; and endeavour to convince yourself of the said truth, 
and to imprint it deeply in your mind. 3. Reflect upon the 
present state of your life, and see if you frequently fail against 
the maxim proposed unto you, and what are the occasions of 
your failures, endeavouring with great attention to discover the 
root of the evil, that you may pluck it up. In these exercises 
of the understanding, viz. apprehending, judging, and discours- 
ing, meditation is properly said to consist. 

In the third place, you must pass to the affections of the will, 
with a thorough detestation and a lively sense of all the faults 
of your life past. 2. Make a firm purpose, to put in practice 
for the future, all that you shall understand in your meditation 
to be your duty to do. 3. End your prayer with a colloquy 
full of affection, either to the most blessed Trinity, or to Jesus 
Christ, to the blessed Virgin, your angel guardian, and your 
holy patrons j repeating acts of the love of God. of humility, 



236 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR 



of resignation, of oblation, of thanksgiving, of protestations, of 
petitioning some favour, and the like. These colloquies are 
the last part of mental prayer. 
Do this, and thou shalt live. Luke x. 23. 



PREPARATORY PRAYER, TO BE SAID BEFORE 
MEDITATION. 

0 Holy Trinity, one God! most meek, most 
patient, most merciful ! in whose sight I now 
lie prostrate ; I will speak to thee, O Lord ; I, 
who am but dust and ashes, and as earth without 
water to thee ; I acknowledge myself unworthy 
of thy sight, on account of my innumerable sins, 
for which I now most sincerely grieve. I am 
nothing, I can do nothing, of myself, but every 
thing in thee. I commit myself entirely into 
your hands ; do with me as you wish, and know 
to be best, only never permit me to be deprived 
of your grace. I desire your pleasure alone, 
not my comfort ; therefore illuminate and inflame 
me, that I may glorify and thank you. You or- 
der me to pray attentively and devoutly ; grant, 
then, what you command, and command what 
you please, my God and my all ; and I not only 
beg this for myself, but for all those who are to 
pray with me, through the merits of Jesus Christ, 
the most blessed Virgin Mary, my angel guar- 
dian, patrons, &c. 

A Prayer to the most blessed Trinity. 

O Holy Father ! replenish my memory with 
holy thoughts, and grant that I may fulfil them 
with constancy. 



MEDITATIONS. 



237 



O holy begotten Son ! illuminate my under- 
standing with the light of thy celestial truths, and 
grant that I may understand them. 

Divine Spirit! inflame my heart with thy fer- 
vent affections, and cherish them so that I may 
never grow torpid, but become more and more 
inflamed. 

Now, especially, I beseech you, 0 dear Re- 
deemer, shower down your blessings upon me. 



Consider, 1st. What is the point of the meditation ? 

2d. What is to be considered in it ? 

3d. What practical doctrine can be concluded ? 

4th. What motives impel to make them ? 

5th. How this doctrine has been hitherto observed ? 

6th. What in particular is to be drawn from it ? 

7th. What can hinder the resolutions taken ? 

8th. What impediment is to be removed ? 

9th. What means are to be taken to effect them ? 



Consider, 1st. Whether the prayer was begun by putting 
yourself in the divine presence, and whether the preludes were 
made ? 

2d. Whether in discussing a verity of faith, the right method 
and order have been observed ? 

3d. Whether you have seriously applied yourself to the me- 
ditation during the whole time ? 

4. Whether you gave more time to the discussions of the 
understanding, than to the pious motions of the will ? 

5th. Whether you have had distractions ; — how long ; and 
what was the cause ? 

If all succeed well, give thanks to God j but if ill, grieve 
and resolve to amend. 



MEDITATION. 




( 238 ) 



THE PRAYERS OF ST. BRIDGET, 

To be said in honour of the sacred wounds of our blessed 
Saviour. 

O most benign Lord Jesus Christ, eternal happiness of those 
who love thee, joy above desire, firm hope of the hopeless, 
solace of the sorrowful, and most merciful lover of all peniten- 
tial sinners ; who hast said, Thy delig ht is to be with the sons 
of men, for the love of whom thou didst assume human nature 
in the fulness of time ; remember, most holy Lord Jesus, all those 
sharp sorrows which then pierced thy sacred soul, from the first 
instant of thy incarnation until thy time of thy solitary passion, 
pre-ordained from all eternity ; remember, O most amiable 
Saviour, all those bitter anguishes thou didst suffer, when at thy 
last supper thou didst wash the feet of thy disciples, didst feed 
them with the sacred banquet of thy precious body and blood, 
and most sweetly comforting them, didst foretell them thy en- 
suing passion ; after which, going to Mount Olivet, thou saidst, 
My soul is sorrowful unto death ; remember, I beseech thee, 
O most benign Saviour, the bitter grief and anguish which thy 
sacred soul did suffer, when praying three several times to thy 
heavenly Father, thou didst sweat water and blood, thou wert 
betrayed by thy own disciple, apprehended by thy people, ac- 
cused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges, and 
in thy elected city, in the Paschal solemnity, in the flourishing 
age of thy youth, wert wrongfully condemned, bound, beaten, 
spurned, spit upon, stripped of thy own garments, and clothed 
with others in scorn; wert blind- folded, buffetted, spit upon 
again, bound naked to a pillar, most cruelly scourged, crowned 
with thorns, struck with a reed, and afflicted with innumerable 
torments, pains, and injuries. O merciful Lord Jesus, by the 
memory and merit of all these bitter pains and anguishes before 
thy expiration on the cross, vouchsafe to grant me before my 
death, true contrition, entire confession, a flowing fountain of 
tears, full satisfaction, and plenary remission of all my sins. 
Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner* 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

II. 

O MOST merciful Lord Jesus, true joy of angels, and the 



PRAYERS OF ST. BRIDGET. 



239 



light of the world, remember, I beseech thee, that grief and sor- 
row which thou didst suffer, when thy cruel enemies, like fierce 
lions, with furious and dreadful looks, compassing thee round 
about, did pull off thy hair, spit upon thy sacred face, tear, 
beat, and buffet thee, and with all manner of unheard-of injuries, 
outrages, and torments, did most cruelly and basely blaspheme, 
scorn, and affront thee : O most merciful Lord Jesus, by all 
those most barbarous and inhuman outrages which thou didst 
suffer, vouchsafe to deliver me from all my enemies, visible, and 
invisible ; that protected under the shadow of thy wings, I may 
safely arrive at the port of eternal glory. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me a 
sinner. Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

III. 

O MOST merciful Lord Jesus, omnipotent Creator of the 
world, and Redeemer of mankind, who containest both heaven 
and earth in thy hands, and whose immensity no bounds can 
bmit ; remember, I beseech thee, the bitter pains and anguishes 
which thou didst endure, when the perfidious Jews pierced thy 
delicate and tender hands and feet, with most rough and blunt 
nails, stretching them forth so violently with cords, to the 
holes which they had made in the cross ; thus they heaped do- 
lour upon dolour, most cruelly disjointing all thy bones, break- 
ing all thy veins, and renewing all thy sacred wounds. O 
merciful sweet Jesus, by the memory of all these thy pains and 
torments on the cross, vouchsafe to give me thy fear and love, 
with perfect charity towards my neighbour. Amen. 

O most merciful Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

IV. 

O MY merciful Lord Jesus, heavenly physician of human 
nature, and eternal king, remember, I beseech thee, all those 
bitter pains and torments which thou didst endure in thy sacred 
womb, who being suspended by nails on the cross, with all thy 
precious body rent and torn, all thy bones being so disjointed 
that not one remained in its right place, not having from the 
crown of thy head unto the soles of thy feet, any part left whole ; 
so that no dolour could be compared to thine ; at which time 
being unmindful of thy own torments, thou didst mercifully pray 
to thy heavenly Father for thy cruel enemies, saying, ' Father, 



2i0 



THE PRAYERS OF 



forgive them, for they know not what they do P O most meek 
and merciful Lord Jesus, by this thy admirable benignity, good- 
ness, love, and mercy, and by all thy bitter pains and torments, 
grant that the memory of thy dolorous passion, may be to me a 
most powerful protection, both of soul and body, against all the 
deceits, temptations, and molestations of the devil, my cruel 
enemy. Amen. 

O most merciful Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
V. 

O MOST benign Lord Jesus, mirror of eternal brightness, 
and wisdom of the omnipotent Father, remember the bitter grief 
and sorrow thy sacred soul did feel, when beholding in the clear 
mirror of thy divine prescience, the predestination of thy elect, 
who through the merits of thy most wholesome passion, were 
to be saved, and the reprobation of the wicked, who for their 
ingratitude were to be damned, and the abyss of thy immense 
mercy by which thou didst commiserate and shed tears for us 
miserable, lost, and forlorn sinnels, and chiefly by that mercy 
which thou didst show to the thief upon the cross, saying to 
him, this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise. I beseech 
thee, O most clement Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God, tc 
show the like mercy unto me, now and at the hour of my 
death. Amen. 

O most merciful Lord Jesus, be merciful unto me a sin- 
ner. Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

VI. 

O MOST benign Lord Jesus, omnipotent king of heaven and 
earth, remember the bitter grief and sorrow thy sacred soul did 
suffer, when being forsaken of thy friends and acquaintance, 
thou didst hang naked, rent, and torn, upon the cross ; few re- 
mained to comfort or compassionate thee, but the glorious Vir- 
gin Mary, thy mother, who standing under the Cross, in the 
bitterness of her soul accompanied thee in all thy torments ; 
unto whom thou didst commend thy beloved disciple, St. John 
in thy place, saying unto her, TVoman behold thy Son: and 
after to thy disciple, Behold thy Mother. O most benign 
Lord Jesus, by that sword of sorrow which did then transpierce 
her sacred soul, and by the tender love and compassion where- 
with thou didst behold the grief and anguish of thy sorrowfu 



ST. BRIDGET. 



241 



nother, have pity and compassion on me, I beseech thee, my 
earest Lord, and mercifully help, comfort, succour, and 
ssist me in all my tribulations, adversities, necessities, sor- 

rovvsj and sufferings, both spiritual and corporal. Amen. 
O most merciful Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a *tmt& - 

Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

VII. 

O MOST merciful Lord Jesus, crown of joy, treasure of feli 
city, sweet source of consolation, and unexhausted founta:* of 
mercy, who hanging upon the cross, out of the most inflamed 
desire thou hadst of the salvation of our souls, saidst, I thirst, 
viz. for the redemption of mankind ; O good Lord, by this thy 
ardent charity, inflame our hearts with th/ io.y iove, enkindle 
our desires to accomplish diligently all toou works, and wholly 
extinguish the heat of all evil concupiscence and worldly affec- 
tions in me. Amen. 

O most merciful Lord Jewts, fy *> 'w ojntious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria 

O MOST merciful Lore Jt&taj true light of those that believe 
in thee, comfort of hearts, and sovereign solace of all the faith- 
ful souls, by that bitter gall and vinegar thou didst taste for us 
upon the cross at the hour of thy death ; grant to us, miserable 
sinners, grace worthily to receive frequently, and particularly 
at the hour of our death, thy most precious body and blood, 
that by the virtue of this divine banquet, and all other salutary 
sacraments, we may be preserved from all evils, sins, and punish- 
ments, and, replenished with all joy, securely appear in thy 
divine presence. Amen. 

O most merciful I^ord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

IX. 

O MOST merciful Lord Jesus, true God and man, remem- 
ber, I beseech thee, those excessive pains and anguishes thou 
didst endure for us upon the cross, when through the bitterness 
of death, and the impious blasphemies, derisions, scorns, and 
reproaches of the Jews, with a loud voice and weeping eyes, 
thou didst crv to thy heavenly Father, with this sad complaint, 
X 




242 



THE PRAYERS OF 



Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani ? that is to say, My God, 
my God, why hast thou forsaken me ? O most merciful Lord 
Jesus, by thy bitter torment, sorrow, grief, and anguish, vouch- 
safe, I beseech thee, to have pity on me, and succour me in all 
my sorrows, sufferances, and tribulations, and particularly at 
(he hour of my death : O then my gracious Lord and my God, 
vouchsafe to assist and succour me, and not forsake me, I be- 
seech thee. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

X. 

O most sacred Lord Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the beginning 
and end of all things, and mirror of all virtues, remember how 
from the crown of thy head to thy feet, thou wert immerged in 
the deluge of thy dolorous passion, for the love of us vile sin- 
ners. O most benign Lord Jesus, by the numberless multitude 
of thy sacred wounds, take from me the love of the world, and 
teach me by a true and perfect charity, always to keep thy holy 
laws and commandments. Amen. 

O most meek Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner* 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

XL 

O most benign Lord Jesus, sovereign goodness, eternal be- 
atitude of thy saints, and most profound abyss of mercy, by thy 
deep and dolorous wounds, which did not only transpierce thy 
sacred flesh, but even thy bowels, and the marrow of thy bones, 
be merciful to me a miserable sinner, who now am drowned in 
my sins and iniquities, and hide me in thy sacred wounds from 
the face of thy wrath, until thy indignation be past and ap- 
peased. Amen. 

O most humble Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

XII. 

O most meek Lord Jesus, mirror of all virtues, pledge of 
unity, and bond of charity ; remember the innumerable multi- 
tude of all those painful wounds wherewith thou wert covered 
from head to foot, all thy holy body most cruelly rent and torn 
by the impious and most dreadful dolours thou didst endure for 



ST. BRIDGET. 



243 



us vile sinners ; O most gracious Lord, engrave these thy do- 
lours deeply in my heart, that in them I may always read thy 
love and anguish ; so that the memory of thy painful passion 
may daily be renewed in me, and my love increased towards 
thee, and I remain perpetually thankful to thy immense charity 
to the last period of my life, until I come to enjoy thee, my only 
dear Lord, and most desired treasure, abounding with all joy 
and felicity, which through thy goodness be pleased to grant, O 
most meek Lord Jesus. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me 
a sinner. Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

XIII. 

O most holy Lord Jesus, most victorious, invincible, trium- 
phant, and immortal king, remember, I beseech thee, all the 
bitter pains and anguishes thou didst endure, when all the forces 
of thy heart and body failing, bowing down thy sacred head, 
thou saidst, It is consummated ; O most patient Lord, by these 
thy dying dolours, have mercy on me at my last passage, when 
my heart and soul shall be in anguish and anxiety. Amen. 

O most patient Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me a 
sinner. Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

XIV. 

O most benign Jesus, only begotten Son of the eternal 
Father, figure of his substance, splendour of his glory ; remem- 
ber that most earnest recommendation wherewith thou didst 
commend thy most sacred soul to thy omnipotent Father upon 
the cross, saying, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit ; 
at which time thou didst hang nailed upon a cross, and thy most 
holy body all over wounded, rent, and torn, pouring forth streams 
of thy most precious blood, with thy face pale and wan, thy 
head crowned with thorns, thy arms extended, thy hands nailed, 
thy veins broken, thy bones disjointed, thy boweis of mercy 
opened, thy eyes weeping and obscured, thy voice failing, thy 
breast thirsting, and thy whole heart broken. O my most mer- 
ciful Lord, unto all these cruel pains and torments didst thou 
deliver thy most sacred, innocent, tender, pure, and precious 
body, for the redemption of us most wretched, vile, and miserable 
sinners, and in this manner renderedst thy precious soul to 
thy celestial Father : by which most precious and innocent 



244 



PRAYERS OF ST. BRIDGET. 



death of thine, and by the virtue of thy holy cross, I beseech 
thee, O Father of mercy, and omnipotent king of glory, to give 
me grace to resist the world, the flesh, and the devil, that being 
dead to all terrestrial things, I may live to thee alone, and have 
the happiness to be received by thee at my last passage, when 
this my miserable exile shall be ended. Amen. 

O most pious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

XV. 

O most benign Lord Jesus, most flourishing, true, and faith- 
ful vine, remember the superabundant effusion of thy precious 
blood, which thou didst pour forth so plentifully from all parts of 
thy sacred body, like a cluster of pressed grapes, when thou thy- 
self alone didst tread the wine-press on the cross, and out of thy 
pierced side didst give us water and wine to drink, not leaving 
ss much as one drop ; and alt this to save us from damnation. 

0 most benign Lord Jesus, by this most liberal effusion of thy 
precious blood, by thy bitter death and passion, and all thy 
sacred wounds, vouchsafe to wound my heart with that tender 
love wherewith the holy neart of thy most blessed mother was 
wounded under the cross, that tears of love and penance may be 
my bread, day and night ; and convert me wholly to thee, that 
thy heart may be my perpetual habitation, my conversation 
pleasing and acceptable to thy divine majesty, and at the end of 
my life so laudable, that having finished this mortal pilgrimage, 

1 may be admitted into immortal glory, to praise and glorify 
thee, my sovereign Lord, in the blessed society of thy holy 
angels and saints, to all eternity. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. 
Pater Noster. Ave Maria. 

O most merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, 
vouchsafe to receive these prayers, in union of that most excel- 
lent love, wherewith thou didst suffer all the wounds of thy 
most precious body, and be merciful to me thy poor and unwor- 
thy servant, and all sinners, with all faithful sculs both living and 
dead, graciously granting to us all, mercy, grace, remission o< 
sins, and life everlasting. Amen. 



PRAYERS. 



245 



A Prayer for renewing the promises made unto 
God in Baptism. 

I am a Christian, I am therefore in the number 
of thy children, 0 my God, a disciple of Jesus 
Christ, and a member of the church thy spouse. 
I was born in sin, subject to thy wrath ; but, out 
of thy infinite goodness, thou hast made me to be 
born again in water and the Holy Ghost, and re- 
generated with Jesus Christ, in baptism : thou 
hast given me the new life of grace, hope, and 
the efficacious means of obtaining eternal glory. 
Thou hast not done this favour to all nations ; but 
granting the same unto me without any merit, 
thou hast, by thy infinite mercy, received me into 
thy favour. I return thee thanks for it, 0 my 
God, esteeming baptism and the quality of a 
Christian more than all the honours and advan- 
tages of the world that can be known or possess- 
ed upon earth. 

Alas ! I have not lived as such a glorious qual- 
ity required. 0 my Father, if I dare presume to 
call thee so, I have sinned against heaven, and 
against thee, and am not any more worthy to be 
called thy child. 0 Lord, forget the ignorances 
and sins of my youth. 0 how much I am griev- 
ed for having offended thee ! 0 how much I de- 
sire to love thee, to serve thee, and to be thankful 
and acceptable to thee, during the whole course 
of my life ! I ought to have always done so hither- 
to. 0 my God, I begin too late to do it,' but 1 
begin sincerely and from my heart, and I will con 
tinue so to do by the assistance of thy grace, 
x 2 



246 



PRAYERS. 



Therefore I ratify in thy presence, and renew 
the promises made for me, and the engagements 
which my Sponsors contracted in my name at my 
baptism. 

I renounce the devil, and I will not any more 
follow him with sinners, his ministers : I abandon 
forever his party, and submit myself in every 
thing to the sweet law of Jesus. I renounce the 
pomps of the devil, that is, the maxims and vani- 
ties of the world. Never more shall I reckon 
those happy who possess riches and honours, and 
feed themselves with pleasures and joys of the 
world ; and however poor I may be, I shall al- 
ways esteem myself rich, if I shall fear thee, my 
God, by forsaking all sin and doing good, as I 
ought. I renounce all the works of the devil ; 
all lying, of which he is the father ; pride, ha- 
tred, envy, and every other sin, detesting them 
altogether : I beg of thee thy necessary grace 
never more to offend thee. 

I believe, 0 Lord, increase my faith : I firmly 
believe all the articles which the holy Catholic 
Church believes and teaches, in the communion 
of which I will live and die. I most firmly re- 
solve to observe all the commandments of thy ho- 
ly law. I love thee, and I will love thee with all 
my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and 
with all my strength. I love, and will love my 
neighbour as myself, for the love of thee. Watch 
over me, 0 my God, never permit me to fail in 
the promises I have made to thee, and give me 
thy holy grace to observe them. This I beg of 



PRAYERS. 



247 



thee for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy Son, and 
my Redeemer. 

Prayer for our Friends. 

0 God of goodness ! what a happiness for me 
to have a friend, who is united with me in a holy 
friendship, and loves me truly and with a heartfelt 
affection. A friend who shares my joys and sor- 
rows, — to whom I can say all that I feel, whom I 
am bound to love and value, who by his close 
union with thee, my God, and by his virtuous con- 
duct and conversation, teaches me the true value 
of life, and is united with me in the earnest en- 
deavour to attain to that life which will never end. 
Preserve him to me, 0 Lord, for my edification ; 
let us have but one thought, one will, one inclina- 
tion, — namely, to please thee. All our endeav- 
ours are for the improvement of our lives, we are 
not united by the desire of transitory pleasures, 
but by real affection ; and this is to us a foretaste 
of pure and heavenly joys. Preserve this friend 
of my heart, enlighten him for the performance of 
every duty, — strengthen the foundations of his 
faith, strengthen him in the power of thy might, 
and may he remain steadfast in piety and virtue. 
Keep him far from error, 0 Lord ! and grant me 
light and discretion, to warn him when he appears 
to go astray. Preserve him also for me, when I 
am in danger of falling, — and how easily do I fall, 
poor, weak and mortal that I am ! Give him then 
thy tender love for me ; that he may stretch out 
to me his brotherly hand, and bring me back to 



246 



PRAYERS. 



thee. Let us always be united in holy friend- 
ship, and become wiser, more virtuous and more 
perfect, — let all flattery be far from both ; let us 
both be honourable, open and sincere. Lei 
nothing dissolve the bands of our friendship. In 
joy and sorrow, unite us ever more and more 
closely. And when at length I am called away 
by death, and he is separated from me, then let 
us, still united in spirit by love, pray for each 
other, — let him happily finish his course, — crown 
him in a better world with joy and glory, — and 
after my mortal course is run, lead me to him, 
where united again for ever, we may praise and 
adore thee our God in the land of peace and 
everlasting repose. Amen, 

Prayer for our Enemies. 

To merit thy approbation, 0 God ! and to 
prove by actions that I am a christian, and desire 
to lead a life of virtue, I must sweetly and freely 
forgive my enemy, who is even bent on afflicting 
and oppressing me. If it afflicts me to be hated 
by him ; still I will cry out to thee with my whole 
soul : 0 Lord ! forgive him, for he knows not 
what he does. Let him as a man and a christian 
remain ever dear to me ; I will never give him 
uneasiness. 0 God ! full of patience and for- 
bearance, who lettest thy sun shine and rain fall 
upon the good and the wicked, give him also thy 
benediction. Truly I should be unworthy of thy 
mercy and grace, which thou so lovingly bestow- 
est upon me, if I did not forgive my enemy with 



PRAYERS. 



249 



a willing and cheerful heart. Let all hatred and 
revenge be far from my heart, I will give plea- 
sure to my enemy by acts of kindness, and by 
these, endeavour to gain him. I never wish him 
evil. And should this my friendly conduct bring 
him over to me again, I will willingly offer him 
the hand of peace, and will give it to him with 
brotherly affection, free from all art and dissimu- 
lation. So doing, I shall have no cause to fear at 
thy judgment, and with lively confidence I may 
hope to enjoy thy love, and remember with conso- 
lation the assurance of thy divine Son : forgive, 
— and you shall be forgiven. Amen. 

Prayer for Fidelity to our Vocation. 

0 my God ! thy holy will calls all to an ac- 
tive and useful life, and to such a life thou hast 
united substantial advantages and manifold de- 
lights. I will faithfully follow my vocation, far 
from all disgraceful idleness ! — I will never con- 
sider the duties of industry as an oppressive bur- 
den. No, they are to me the means and the sure 
way to arrive at greater perfection. Yes, 0 God ! I 
reverence thy wise and good regulations through- 
out the world. I feel and acknowledge how 
strongly they oblige me to industiy and fidelity to 
the duties of my vocation. 0 that I may never 
forget these duties, and ever faithfully discharge 
them ! All my abilities and powers, all my gifts 
and talents are favours of thy goodness, which 
thou hast intrusted to me to be conscientiously 
employed. I must one day give an account to 



250 



PRAYERS. 



thee for them. Thou hast directed me in this 
world to this state of life, and given me certain 
occupations for the good of thy children upon 
earth. O that I may worthily correspond with 
thy appointment, and thereby promote the good of 
others. I have manifold obligations towards my 
fellow-men. I cannot dispense with their help 
and support, and I daily receive services from 
them. I will return these good offices, and en- 
deavour all I can, by diligence and fidelity, to be- 
come useful to them in my condition and calling. 
Still I am but an instrument in the hand of thy 
divine providence, to contribute as an individual 
creature to the great work of the happiness of 
mankind ; and the more faithfully I labour in my 
vocation, the more indefatigably do I do that good, 
which I can and ought to do in my sphere of ac- 
tion, the more have I reason to rejoice, and cherish 
in my soul the consoling testimony that I am ful- 
filling on earth thy most holy will. 0 God ! thou 
workest from eternity to eternity ; thy power is 
unlimited, and its productions immense ; and all 
that thou dost, is and produces life, joy and hap- 
piness. 0 may I by the best and most diligent 
use of all that I am, have and can, become more 
and more like to thee, my heavenly Father, and 
by christian industry and unwearied fidelity to my 
vocation on earth, prepare myself for higher and 
more important occupations, which thou wilt give 
me one day m a better life, through thy beloved 
Son, Jesus Christ. Amen 



PRAYERS. 



251 



Prayer for Young Women. 

0 God ! I am thy child, and I can work out 
my salvation only by loving thee with my whole 
heart. Make me in all things like to thee. Watch 
over me in soul and body. In all things my sole 
endeavour shall be to please thee. I will ever 
keep myself from pride and all self-seeking. Let 
modesty be my ornament, and virtue my beauty. 
I will faithfully perform in meekness and silence 
the daily labours which thou hast imposed upon 
me. I will praise thee in filial humility of heart, 
I will never despise my neighbour, I will labour 
with unceasing exertion for my advancement in 
virtue. I will carefully guard my youthful heart 
from all love of idleness. Studied pomp, un- 
necessary and idle show are all displeasing to 
thee. For thy holy will is that I should clothe 
myself with modesty and retirement. In my 
solitary hours I will raise up my mind with heart- 
felt joy to thee, my God ; — I will think of the 
transitory nature of all earthly things, and often 
repeat to my heart that impressive truth : death 
will deprive thee of al] ; but it will give thee all 
if thou spendest thy life in the practice of piety. 
I will never squander away the precious time of 
my life in empty trifling, my only endeavour shall 
be to spend it profitably. May my eyes never 
enkindle an impure flame in my heart, and may 
no unbecoming levity disgrace my conversation. 
Let innocence and a good irreproachable calling 
be ever my glorv. I will arm my looks with 



252 



PRAYERS. 



wholesome severity, whenever my innocence is 
threatened by any danger. I will avoid all com- 
pany which is in any way dangerous, and, with 
christian joy, fly from the wanton pleasures of the 
world, as dangerous to my salvation. Let me 
find pious friends, who may all be of one pure 
heart, and with these unite me in innocence. Let 
me rejoice in the company of those, by whose ex- 
ample I may become pure and mild, and possess 
true joy of soul, that I may hereafter enjoy for 
ever thy everlasting society in heaven, — thy be- 
loved Son Jesus Christ,— the blessed Virgin 
Mary, and ail thy beloved saints. Amen. 



(£53) 



THE 

SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS, 

Proper to he said on Fasting Days y and other 
Penitential Times. 

ANTHEM. 

REMEMBER not, O Lord, our offences, nor 
those of our parents ; neither take thou ven- 
geance on our sins. 

psalm vi.^-Domine, ne in furore. 

The Psalmist prays to be healed from sickness, 
and implores pardon for his sins. After 06- 
taining his request, he exults over his enemies. 

0 LORD, rebuke me not in thy indignation ; 
nor chastise me in thy wrath. 

Take pity on me, O Lord, for I am weak ; 
heal me, O Lord, for all my bones are shaken. 

And my soul is troubled exceedingly; but 
thou, O Lord, how long? 

Return, O Lord, and deliver my soul : O save 
me for thy mercies' sake. 

For in death there is none that is mindful of 
thee : and who shall confess to thee in Hell ? 

1 have tired myself with my groanings : every 
night I will wash my bed ; I will water my couch 
with my tears. 

My eye is disturbed with rage : I am grown 
Id amidst all mine enemies. 

* A 



L 254 THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL- PSALMS. 

Depart from me, all ye that work iniquity; 
for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weep- 
ing. 

The Lord hath he-ard my petition : the Lord 
hath received my prayer. 

Let all my enemies be ashamed, and very 
much troubled: let them be turned back and 
put to shame very speedily. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 

psalm xxxi. — Beati quorum. 

The Psalmist declares all those happy whose sins 
are forgiven, and, from his own example, and 
that of the saints, exhorts all to seek this beati- 
tude and to avoid brutal obstinacy. Rewards 
and punishments are proposed. 

BLESSED are they whose iniquities are for- 
given : and whose sins are covered. 

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath 
not imputed sin : and in whose soul there is no 
guile. 

Because I was silent, my bones grew old : 
whilst I cried all the day. 

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon 
me: I am covered in my anguish, whilst the 
Ihorn is fastened. 

I have acknowledged my sin to thee : and 
my injustice I have not concealed. 

I said, I will confess against myself my injus- 
tice to the Lord : and thou hast forgiven the im- 
piety of my sin. 

For this shall every one that is holy pray to 
thee : in a seasonable time. 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 255 



Yet, in the deluge of many waters : they shall 
not approach him. 

Thou art my refuge from die tribulation which 
hath surrounded me : my Joy, deliver me from 
them that encompass me. 

I will give thee understanding, and I will in- 
struct thee in the way in which thou shalt go : 
I will fix my eyes upon thee. 

Do not become like the horse and mule : that 
have no understanding. 

With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws: who 
do not approach thee. 

Many are the scourges of the sinner: but 
mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the 
Lord. 

Be joyful in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just: 
and glory, all ye upright of heart. 
Glory, &c. 

psalm xxx vn. — Domine, ne in furore. 
The Psalmist, in sickness, and neglected by his 
friends, begs of God to pardon his sins, and 
to assist and heal him. 

O LORD, rebuke me not in thy indignation: 
nor chastise me in thy wrath. 

For thy arrows are fastened in me : and thy 
hand hath been strong upon me. 

There is no health in my flesh, because of 
thy wrath : there is no peace in my bones, be- 
cause of my sins. 

For my iniquities are gone over my head: 
and, as a weighty burden, are become heavy 
upon me. 



256 THE SEVEN^ PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 

My sores are putrified and corrupted, be- 
cause of my foolishness. 

I am become miserable, and am bowed down 
even to the end : I walked sorrowful all the day, 

For my loins are filled with illusions : and 
there is no health in my flesh. 

I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly : I 
roared in the groaning of my heart. 

O Lord, my desire is before thee : and my 
sighing is not hid from thee. 

My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me: 
and the light of mine eyes itself is not with me. 

My friends and my neighbours have drawn 
near : and stood up against me. 

And they that were near me stood afar off: 
and they that sought my soul used violence. 

And they that sought evils to me, spoke vain 
things : and studied deceits all the day long. 

But I, as one deaf, did not hear: and as one 
dumb, that opened not his mouth. 

And I became as a man that heareth not : and 
that hath no reproofs in his mouth. 

For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped ; thou wilt 
hear me, O Lord, my God. 

For I said, lest at any time my enemies re- 
joice over me : and whilst my feet are moved, 
they speak great things against me. 

For I am prepared for scourges : and my sor- 
row is always in my sight. 

For I will declare my iniquity : and I will 
think of my sin. 

But my enemies live, and are become strong- 
er than I . and they are multiplied who hate me 
unjustly. 



THK SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 257 

And they that return evil for* good have de- 
tracted me : because I followed goodness. 

Forsake me not, O Lord my God : depart 
not thou from me. 

Come unto my aid, O Lord; the God of my 
salvation : 

Glory, &x. 

psalm i. — Miserere. 
The Psalmist begs pardon for the sins of adulte- 
ry and murder, not through the Mosaic sacri- 
fices, but through Christ, who was to come and 
establish his Church, and by his Sacrifice ap- 
pease the injured justice of God. 

HAVE mercy on me, O God, according to thy 
great mercy ; and according to the multitude of 
thy tender mercies, blot out mine iniquity. 

Wash me yet more and more from my ini- 
quity : and cleanse me from my sin. 

Because I know my iniquity : and my sin is 
always before me, 

Against thee only have I sinned, and done 
evil before thee : that thou mayest be justified 
in thy words, and mayest overcome when thou 
art judged. 

For behold I was. conceived in iniquities ; and 
in sins hath my mother conceived me. 

For behold thou hast loved truth : the secret 
and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made 
known to me. 

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I 
shall be cleansed : thou shalt wash me, and I 
shall be made whiter than snow. 

* A 2 



253 THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 



To my hearing thou shalt give joy and glad- 
ness : and the bones that are humbled shall 
rejoice. 

Turn away thy face from my sins : and blot 
out all mine iniquities. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God: and re- 
new an upright spirit within my bowels. 

Cast me not away from thy face : and take 
not thy holy spirit from me. 

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation : 
and confirm me with a perfect spirit. 

I will teach thy ways to the unjust : and sin- 
ners shall be converted to thee. 

Deliver me from blood, O God, the God of 
my salvation ; and my tongue shall extol thy 
justice. 

Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips ; and my 
mouth shall declare thy praise. 

For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, verily 1 
had given it ; with burnt-offerings thou wilt not 
be delighted. 

A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit : a con- 
trite and humble heart, O God, thou wilt not 
despise. 

Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will 
with Sion: that the walls of Jerusalem may be 
built up. 

Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of jus- 
tice, oblations, and whole burnt-offerings : then 
shall they lay calves upon thine altar. 

Glory, &c. 

psalm ci. — Domine, exaudi. 
Tlie Psalmist begs for mercy upon Sion, that he 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 259 

will raise out of it his Church, to which kings 
and people may come and praise God. A pray- 
er of the poor man when he was anxious, and 
poured out nis supplications before the Lord, 

0 LORD, hear my prayer: and let my cry 
come unto thee. 

Turn not away thy face from me : in what day 
soever I am in tribulation, incline thine ear to 
me. 

In what day soever I shall call upon thee : 
hear me speedily. 

For my days are vanished like smoke : and 
my bones are withered like fuel for the fire. 

1 am smitten, and my heart is withered like 
grass : because I forgot to eat my bread. 

Through the voice of my groaning : my bones 
have cleaved to my flesh. 

I am become like a pelican of the wilderness : 
I am become like a night-raven in the house. 

I have watched : and am become as solitary 
as a sparrow upon the house top. 

My enemies upbraided me all the day long : 
and they that praised me swore against me. 

For I did eat ashes like bread : and mingled 
my drink with my tears. 

Because of thy wrath and indignation : for 
having lifted me up thou hast cast me down. 

My days have declined like a shadow : and I 
am withered like grass. 

But thou, O Lord, remainest forever : and thy 
memory is from generation to generation. 

Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion : for 
the time to have mercy on it is come. 



£60 THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 

For the stories thereof have pleased thy ser- 
vants : and they shall have pity on the earth 
thereof. 

And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord : 
and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 

For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he 
shall be seen in his glory. 

He hath regard to the prayer of the humble : 
and he hath not despised their petition. 

Let these things be written unto another gen- 
eration : and a people to be created shall praise 
the Lord. 

Because he hath looked forth from his high 
sanctuary : the Lord from heaven hath looked 
down upon the earth. 

That he might hear the groans of them that 
are in fetters : that he might unbind the children 
of them that are slain. 

That they may declare the name of the Lord 
in Sion : and his praise in Jerusalem. 

In the assembling of the people together in 
one : and kings to serve the Lord. 

He answered me in the way of his strength : 
Declare unto me the fewness of my days. 

Call me not back in the midst of my days : 
Thy years are from generation unto generation. 

In the beginning, O Lord, thou foundest the 
earth : and the heavens are the works of thy 
hands. 

They shall perish, but thou remainest : and 
they shall all grow old as a garment. 

And as a cloak thou shalt change them, and 
they shall be changed : but thou art always the 
self-same, and thy years shall not fail. 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 261 

The children of thy servants shall continue: 
and their seed shall be directed forever. 
Glory, &c. 

psalm cxxix. — De profundis. 

The Psalmist earnestly begs pardon, foretelling 
Redemption through Christ. 

FROM the depths I have cried unto thee O 
Lord : Lord hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive : to the voice of 
my petition. 

If thou wilt observe iniquities : • O Lord ! 
Lord, who will endure it ? 

For with thee there is merciful forgiveness : 
and on account of thy law I have expected thee, 
O Lord. 

My soul hath relied on his word : my soul hath 
hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night : let 
Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy : and 
with him plentiful redemption. 

And he shall redeem Israel : from all its ini- 
quities. 

Glory, &c. 

psalm cxiii. — Domine, exaudi* 

The Psalmist prays that God would not regard 
him, according to his merits, hut look upon his 
miseries, and deliver him from them, and also 
from his enemies. 

O LORD, hear my prayer: give ear to my 
petition in thy truth : hear me in thy justice. 



2f>2 THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: 
for in thy sight no man living shall be justified. 

For the enemy hath persecuted, my soul: he 
hath humbled my life to the earth. 

He hath made me dwell in darkness, as those 
who have been dead of old: my, spirit is in, an- 
guish upon me, and my heart is troubled within 
me. \ - . V [ t , / , r . . 

I remember' the days of old, I meditated' on 
all thy works : on the works of thy hands did I 
meditate. 

I stretched forth my hands to thee : unto thee 
my soul is as earth without water. 

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath 
fainted away. 

Turn not away thy face from me : lest I be 
like unto them that go down into the pit. 

Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning ; 
for I have hoped in thee. 

Make the way known to me wherein I should 
walk ; for I have lifted up my soul to thee. 

Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord; to 
thee have I fled ; teach me to do thy will, for 
thou art my God. 

Thy good Spirit shall conduct me into the way 
of righteousness : for thy name's sake, O Lord, 
thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. 

Thou wilt bring forth my soul out of tribula- 
tion: and in thy mercy thou wilt destroy mine 
enemies. 

And thou wilt destroy all those that afflict my 
soul : for I am thy servant. 
Glory, &c. 



THE LITANY 0 



263 



ANTHER. 

REMEMBER not, O Ljord, bur offence! 
those of our parents: and 
our sins. 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 

LORD have mercy upon us. 
Christ have mercy upon us. 
Lord have mercy upon us. 
Christ hear us. 
Christ graciously hear us. 

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us. 
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have 

mercy upon us. 
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us. 
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy upon us. 
Holy Mary, 
Holy Mother of God, 
Holy Virgin of Virgins, 
St. Michael, 
St. Gabriel, 
St. Raphael, 

All ye holy Angels and Archangels, 
All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, 
St. John Baptist, 
St. Joseph, 

All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, 
St. Peter, 
St. Paul, 
St. Andrew, 
St. James, 
St. John, 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 

St, Thomas, 

St. James, 

St Philip, 

St. Bartholomew, 

St. Matthew, 

St. Simon, 

St. Thaddeus, 

St. Matthias, 

St. Barnaby, 

St. Luke, 

St. Mark, 

All ye holy Aposties and Evangelists, 
All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, 
All ye holy Innocents, 
St. Stephen, 
St. Lawrence. 
St. Vincent, 

SS. Fabian and Sebastian, 

SS. John and Paul, 

SS. Cosmas and Damian, 

SS. Gervase and Protase, 

All ye holy Martyrs, 

St. Silvester, 

St. Gregory, 

St. Ambrose, 

St. Augustin, 

St. Jerom, 

St. Martin, 

St. Nicholas, 

All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, 
All ye holy Doctors, 
St. Anthony, 
St. Bennet, 
St. Bernard, 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 



265 



St. Dominick, 
St. Francis, 

All ye holy Priests and Levites, 
All ye holy Monks and Hermits, 
St. Mary Magdalene, 
St Agatha, 
St. Lucy, 
St. Agnes, 
St. Cecily, 
St. Catharine, 
St. Anastasia, 

All ye holy Virgins and Widows, 
All ye Men and Women, Saints of God, make 

intercession for us. 
Be merciful to us : Spare us, 0 Lord. 
Be merciful to us : Graciously hear us, 0 Lord. 
From all evil, 
From all sin, 
From thy wrath, 

From sudden and unprovided death, 
From the deceits of the Devil, 
From anger, hatred, and all ill-will, 
From the spirit of fornication, 
From lightning and tempest, 
From everlasting death, 
Through the mystery of thy holy incarna 
tion, 

Through thy coming, 
Through thy nativity, 
Through thy baptism and holy fasting, 
Through thy cross and passion, 
Through thy death and burial, 
Through thy holy resurrection, 
Through thy admirable ascension, 
* B 



£66 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 



Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, 
the Comforter, 0 Lord, deliver us. 

In the day of judgment, 0 Lord, deliver us. 
We sinners beseech thee to hear us. 

That thou spare us, we beseech thee to hear us. 

That thou pardon us, we beseech thee to hear us. 

That thou vouchsafe to bring us to true penance, 
we beseech thee to hear us. 

That thou vouchsafe to govern and pre-^ 
serve thy holy church, 

That thou vouchsafe to preserve our apos- 
tolic prelate, and all ecclesiastical orders 
in holy religion, 

That thou vouchsafe to humble the enemies 
of thy holy church, 

That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and true 
concord to Christian kings and princes, 

That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and 
unity to all Christian people, 

That thou vouchsafe to confirm and pre- 
serve us in thy holy service, 

That thou lift up our minds to heavenly 
desires, 

That thou render eternal good things to all 

our benefactors, 
That thou deliver our souls and those of 

our brethren, kinsfolk, and benefactors, 

from eternal damnation, 
That thou vouchsafe to give and preserve 

the fruits of the earth, 
That thou vouchsafe to give eternal rest 

to all the faithful departed, 
That thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us, 

Son of God, 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 267 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world : Spare us, 0 Lord. 
, Larnb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world : Hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of 
the world : Have mercy upon us. 

Christ hear us ! Christ graciously hear us! 

Lord have mercy upon us ! Christ have mer- 
cy upon us! Lord have mercy upon us! 

Our Father, &c. fin secret. J 

V. And lead us not into temptation ; 

R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 

Psalm lxix. 

INCLINE unto mine aid, O God : O Lord, 
make haste to help me. 

Let them be confounded and ashamed that 
seek my soul. 

Let them forthwith be turned backward, and 
blush for shame, that desire evils to me. 

Let them be turned backward, and blush, and 
be put to shame, who say to me, it is well! it is 
well ! 

Let all that seek thee be glad and rejoice in 
thee : and let those who love thy salvation say 
always 4 'Our Lord be magnified." 

But I am needy and poor: O God help me. 

Thou art my helper and my deliverer! O 
Lord make no delay. 

V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

R. As it was, &c. 

V. Save thy servants . 

R. Who put their trust in thee, my God. 

V. Be to us, 0 Lord, a tower of strength. 



£68 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 



R. Against the face of the enemy. 
V. Let not the enemy prevail against us ; 
R. Nor the son of iniquity have power to 
hurt us. 

V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our 
sins ; 

R. Nor reward us according to our iniquities. 

V. Let us pray for our chief Bishop (N.) 

R. May the Lord preserve him, and prolong 
his life, and make him happy on earth, and de- 
liver him not up to the will of his enemies. 

V. Let us pray for our benefactors. 

R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy name's sake, to 
render eternal life to all those who do us good. 

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed. 

R. Give them, O Lord, eternal rest; and let 
perpetual light shine unto them. 

V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. 

V. For our absent brethren. 

R. Save thy servants, O my God, who put 
their trust in thee. 

V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy sane* 
tuary ; 

R. And from Sion protect them. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer ; 

R. And let my supplication come unto thee. 

Let us pray. 

O GOD, whose property it is always to have 
mercy and to spare, receive our petitions, that 
we, and all thy servants, who are bound by the 
chain of sin, may, by the compassion of thy 
goodness, mercifully be absolved. 

HEAR, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers 



THE LITANY OF SAINTS. £69 

of thy suppliants, and pardon us our sins, who 
confess them to thee ; that, of thy bounty, thou 
tnayest grant us pardon and peace. 

OUT of thy clemenc}^, O Lord, show us thy 
unspeakable mercy ; that so thou may est both 
acquit us of our sins, and deliver us from the 
punishment we deserve for them. 

O GOD, who by sin art offended, and pacified 
by repentance, mercifully regard the prayers of 
thy people, who make supplication to thee, and 
turn away the scourges of thy anger, which we 
deserve for our sins. 

O Almighty and Eternal God, have mercy on 
thy servant (N.) our chief Bishop, and direct 
him according to thy clemency, in the way of 
everlasting salvation, that, by thy grace, he may 
desire the things that are agreeable to thy will, 
and perform them with all his strength. 

O GOD, from whom are ail holy desires, 
righteous counsels, and just works, give to thy 
servants that peace which the world cannot 
give ; that our hearts being disposed to keep 
thy commandments, and the fear of enemies 
taken away, the times, by thy protection, may 
be peaceable. 

INFLAME, O Lord, our reins and hearts 
with the fire of thy holy spirit ; to the end we 
may serve thee with a chaste body, and please 
thee with a clean heart. 

O GOD, the Creator and Redeemer of all the 
faithful, give to the souls of thy servants depart- 
ed, the remission of ail their sins, that by pious 
supplications they may obtain the pardon they 
have always desired. 

* B 2 



270 THE LITANY OF SAINTS. 

MODEL, we beseech thee, O Lord, our ac- 
tions by thy holy inspirations, and carry them 
on by thy gracious assistance ; that every prayer 
and work of ours may always begin from thee, 
and by thee be happily ended. 

O Almighty and Eternal God, who hast do- 
minion over the living and the dead, and art 
merciful to all whom thou foreknowest shall be 
thine by faith and good works ; we humbly be- 
seech thee, that they for whom we have purpos- 
ed to offer our prayers, whether this present 
world still detains them in the flesh, or the next 
world hath already received them divested of 
their bodies, may, by the clemency of thine 
own goodness and the intercession of thy saints, 
obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins ; 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and 
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy 
Ghost, one God, world without end. 

R. Amen. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. May the Almighty and merciful Lord gra- 
ciously hear us. R. Amen. 

V. May the souls of the faithful departed 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

R. Amen. 



(271) 



REMARKS ON THE ROSARY, 

BY THE RIGHT REV. DR. G. HAY. 



THE Rosary is a religious form of prayer, 
addressed to Almighty God, the Supreme object 
of all religious worship, in commemoration of 
the principal mysteries of our redemption, in 
thanksgiving and praise to Jesus Christ for all 
he did and suffered in them for us, and in honour 
of his ever blessed virgin mother, considering 
the share she had in them ; and it is offered up 
to God in a particular manner, under her patron- 
age, and through her intercession. 

On this pious exercise, the Rev. Mr. Alban 
Butler, in his Lives of the Saints, October first, 
writes as follows: 4 4 It is an abridgment of the 
44 gospel, a history of the life, sufferings, and 
44 triumphant victory of Jesus Christ, and an 
{5 expositipn of what he did in the flesh, which 
;fi he assumed for our salvation. It ought cer- 
44 tainly to be the principal object of the devo- 
44 tion of every christian, always to bear in 
" mind these holy mysteries, to return to God a 
44 perpetual homage of love, praise, and thanks- 
44 giving for them, to implore his mercy through 
44 them, to make them the subject of his assidu- 
44 ous meditation, and to mould his affections, re- 
44 gulate his life, and form his spirit by the holy 
44 impressions which they make on his soul. 
44 The Rosary is a method of doing this, most 



£72 REMARKS ON THE ROSARY. 

* c easy in itself, and adapted to the slowest and 
46 meanest capacity ; and at the same time, most 
44 sublime and faithful in the exercise of the 
44 highest acts of prayer, contemplation, and all 
44 interior virtues." 

It is composed of three parts, the most 
sublime and excellent that can be conceived ; 
namely, the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and 
the Doxology, which is an act of supreme adora- 
tion of the ever blessed Trinity. The Lord's 
Prayer, taught us by Jesus Christ himself, is the 
most perfect model of prayer ; it contains in 
itself the very essence of all good prayers, and 
all other prayers are but expositions of it ; for 
as St. x\ugustine justly observes, 44 If you run 
through all the words of other holy prayers, 
you will find nothing but w r hat is comprised in 
it." It contains at the same time, acts of the 
most sublime virtues, the love of God, adora- 
tion and praise, conformity to his holy will, con- 
fidence in his fatherly goodness, love of our 
neighbour, humility, diffidence in ourselves, 
compunction for our sins and the like ; and 
surely no prayer can be more pleasing to God, 
or more efficacious to obtain from him whatever 
we stand in need of, either for soul or body, 
than that which was composed by Jesus Christ 
himself, and put into our hearts and mouths by 
him in whom the Father is well pleased : what 
other words can be so pleasing to our heavenly 
Father, as the words of his beloved Son, in 
whom alone, he has decreed, that we can be 
acceptable to him ? It is then more especially 
agreeable to God and beneficial to us, when of- 



REMARKS ON THE ROSARY. 273 

fered up in this holy exercise of the Rosary, 
on purpose to honour and adore our Redeemer 
in all he did and suffered for our redemption, 
and to implore his mercy and grace through the 
merits of these holy mysteries. The divine 
origin and excellence of the Hail Mary, we 
have seen above in the preceding section ; it 
was composed in heaven, dictated by the Holy 
Ghost, and delivered to the faithful by the Angel 
Gabriel, St. Elizabeth, and the church of Christ ; 
it contains an act of adoration and thanksgiving 
for the great mystery of the incarnation, and in 
it of the whole work of our redemption, the 
praises of Jesus Christ, and also of his virgin 
mother, and ends with an humble address to her, 
begging the help of her powerful prayers. The 
Doxology, or third prayer used in the Rosary, 
is an act of supreme adoration of the ever 
blessed Trinity, by which we offer up to God 
all that praise and glory which was given him 
at the beginning of the creation, has been con- 
tinually given him from that time, and will be 
given him for endless eternities. It is thus ex- 
pressed, Glory be to the Father, and tc the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the begin- 
ning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. From the sanctity of these prayers, of 
which this holy exercise is composed, the ex- 
cellency of the exercise itself appears. 

The principal mysteries of our redemption, 
which are celebrated in this exercise, are fifteen 
m number, and the prayers are divided into fif- 
teen decades, or tens, corresponding one to each 
mystery. Each decade consists in reciting the 



274 



REMARKS ON THE ROSARY. 



Lord's Prayer once, then the Hail Mary ten 
times, from which it is called a decade, or a ten ; 
and ends after these ten Hail Marys, with the 
Glory be to the Father, &rc. This is the vocal 
part of the Rosary, and is the same throughout 
the whole in every decade. Whilst the tongue 
is employed in reciting these holy vocal pray- 
ers, the mind has her proper employment with- 
in ; for first, she addresses the Lord's Prayer to 
God the Father, with all possible attention and 
devotion ; then during the ten Hail Marys, she 
contemplates, with suitable affections, that mys- 
tery of our redemption which corresponds to 
each decade ; and lastly, she closes the decade 
with the most profound sentiments of homage 
and adoration, while reciting the doxology. 

While we are sa}dng the Hail Marys, we 
must endeavour to represent to our imagination, 
the substance and most striking circumstances 
of the corresponding mystery, in the most live- 
ly manner we can, as though we had been pre- 
sent at it, or saw it transacted before our eyes ; 
by this means we both restrain the wanderings 
of our imagination, and the more effectually ex- 
cite various holy affections in our hearts, suita- 
ble to the object of each mystery. For exam- 
ple, in reciting the first decade of the joyful 
mysteries, imagine yourself present with the 
Blessed Virgin, when the Angel Gabriel appear- 
ed, and declared to her the great mystery of 
the incarnation : and endeavour to keep your 
mind attentive to what passed on that occasion 
while you are reciting that decade, exercising in 
your heart such affections of love, adoration, 



REMARKS ON THE ROSARY. 



275 



thanksgiving, praise, or the like, as will natural- 
ly arise from a lively application of the mind to 
the love which Jesus Christ shews to you in 
that mystery. So also in reciting the decade of 
the crucifixion and death of our Saviour, ima- 
gine yourself as St. Francis de Sales advises, to 
be upon Mount Calvary , and that you there see 
and hear all that zvas done ; or, if you will, ima- 
gine with yourself, that in the very place where 
you are, they are crucifying your Saviour, in such 
a manner as the holy Evangelists describe. In- 
trod. P. ii. chap. 4. Contemplate the Blessed 
Virgin at the foot of the Cross, all bathed in 
tears, address the Hail Marys to her standing 
there in an agony of sorrow, and exercise in 
your heart, such holy affections as the sight of 
such excessive sufferings naturally inspire. The 
same is to be said of all the other mysteries. 



(276) 



THE ROSARY 

OF THE 

BLESSED VIRGIN. 

IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
Vers. Hail Mary, full of grace, our Lord is 
with thee. 

Resp. Blessed art thou amongst women, and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 

Vers. Thou, O Lord, will open my lips. 

Resp. And my tongue shall announce thy 
praise. 

Vers. Incline unto my aid, O God : 

Resp. O Lord make haste to help me. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost. 

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever 
shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Alleluia is said at all times except from Sep* 
tuagesima till Easter, then say: 

Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal 
glory. 

The first part. — The five joyful Mysteries.* 

The first Mystery — The Meditation. 
LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how the 
Angel Gabriel saluted our blessed Lady, with 

* The five Mysteries of the first part, called Joyful, 
to be said on all Mondays, and Thursdays, the Sundays 
of Advent, and after Epiphany till Lent. 



i 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY 



£77 



the title of Full of Grace, and declared unto 
her, the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 

Then Say, Our Father, kc. once. — Hail Mary, 
&c. ten times. 

When the Hail Mary is repeated a tenth time, 
the decade finishes with Glory be to the Father, 
&,c. then follows the prayer.* 

Let us pray. 
O HOLY Mary, Queen of Virgins, by the 
most high mystery of the incarnation of thy be- 
loved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by which our 
salvation was so happily begun : obtain for us, 
by thy intercession, light to know this so great 
a benefit which he hath bestowed upon us : 
vouchsafing in it to make himself our brother, 
and thee, (his own most beloved mother,) our 
mother also. Amen. 

II. 

THE VISITATION. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how the 
blessed Virgin Mary, understanding from the 
Angel, that her cousin, St. Elizabeth, had con- 
ceived, went with haste into the mountains of 
Tudea, to visit her, and remained with her three 
months. Our Father, kc. 

Let us Pray. 
O HOLY Virgin, most spotless mirror of hu- 

* Which method is to be observed in beginning, and 
saying each part of the Rosary. 



C 27S THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 

mility ; by that exceeding charity, which moved 
thee to visit thy holy cousin St. Elizabeth, ob- 
tain for us by thy intercession, that our hearts 
may be so visited by thy most holy Son, that 
being free from all sin, we may praise him and 
give him thanks for ever. Amen. 

III. 

The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ , in Bethlehem, 
LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
the blessed Virgin Mary, when the time of her 
delivery was come, brought forth our Redeemer 
Christ Jesus at midnight, and laid him in a man- 
ger, because there was no room for him in the 
Inns at Bethlehem Our Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 

O MOST pure Mother of God, by thy vir- 
ginal and most joyful delivery, in which thou 
gavest unto the world thy only Son, our Saviour, 
we beseech thee obtain for us by thy interces- 
sion, grace to lead so pure and holy lives in this 
world, that we may worthily sing without ceas- 
ing, both day and night, the mercies of thy Son, 
and his benefits to us by thee. Amen. 

IV. 

The Oblation of our blessed Lord in the Temple. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how the 
most blessed Virgin Mary, on the day of her 
purification, presented the Child Jesus in the 
Temple, where holy Simeon, giving thanks to 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 



£79 



God with great devotion, received him into his 
arms. Our Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 
O HOLY Virgin, most admirable mistress 
and pattern of obedience, who didst present in 
the temple the Lord of the Temple, obtain for 
us of thy beloved Son, that with holy Simeon, 
and devout Anne, we may praise and glorify him 
for ever. Amen. 

V. 

The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how the 
blessed Virgin Mary, having lost without any 
fault of hers, her beloved Son in Jerusalem, she 
sought him for the space of three days, and at 
length found him the third day in the temple, in 
the midst of the doctors, disputing with them, be- 
ing of the age of twelve years. Our Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 
MOST blessed Virgin, more than Martyr in 
thy sufferings, and yet the comfort of such as are 
afflicted; by that unspeakable joy, wherewith 
thy soul was ravished, in finding thy beloved 
Son in the temple, in the midst of the doctors, 
disputing with them, obtain of him for us, so to 
seek him, and to find him in the holy Catholic 
Church, that we may never be separated from 
him. Amen. 

SALVE REGINA. 

Hail ! holy queen, mother of Mercy, our life, 



280 THE ROSARY OF OUR LA.DY. 

our sweetness, and our hope ; to thee we do 
cry, poor banished sons of Eve; to thee do we 
send up our sighs, mourning and weeping, in this 
valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious ad- 
vocate, thy eyes of mercy towards us, and after 
this our exile is ended, show unto us the bless- 
ed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O pious, 
O sweet Virgin Mary. 

Vers. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. 

Resp. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

Let us Pray. 

O GOD, whose only begotten Son, by his 
life, death and resurrection, has purchased for 
us the rewards of eternal life ; grant, we be- 
seech thee, that meditating upon those myste- 
ries, in the most holy Rosary of the blessed Vir- 
gin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, 
and obtain what they promise, through the same 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 28l 



THE SECOND PART. 

THE 

FIVE DOLOROUS MYSTERIES* 
I. 

The prayer and bloody sweat of our blessed 5a- 
viour in the garden. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
our Lord Jesus was so afflicted for us in the 
garden of Gethsemane, that his body was bathed 
in a blocdy sweat, which ran trickling down in 
great drops to the ground. 

Our Father, 4c. Hail Mary, fyc. Glory, fyc. as 
before. 

Let us Pray. 

MOST holy Virgin, more than Martyr, by 
that ardent prayer which thy most beloved Son 
poured forth unto his Father in the garden, 
vouchsafe to intercede for us, that our passions 
being reduced to the obedience of reason, we 
may always, and in all things, conform and sub- 
ject ourselves to the will of God. Amen. 

II. 

The scourging of our blessed Lord at the pillar, 
LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 

* These five Mysteries of the second part, called dolo- 
rous or sorrowful, to be said on Tuesdays, and Fridays, 
throughout the year, and Sundays in Lent. 

* C2 



282 THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 

our Lord Jesus Christ was most cruelly scourg- 
ed in Pilate's house, the number of stripes they 
gave him, being above five thousand : (as it was 
revealed to St. Bridget.) Our Father, #c. 

Let us Pray. 

O MOTHER of God, overflowing fountain 
of patience, by those stripes, thy only and most 
beloved Son vouchsafed to suffer for us ; obtain 
of him for us, grace, that we may know how to 
mortify our rebellious senses ; and cut off all oc- 
casions of sinning, with that sword of grief and 
compassion, which pierced thy most tender soul. 
Jlmen. 

The crowning our blessed Saviour with thorns. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
those cruel ministers of Satan platted a crown 
of sharp thorns, and most cruelly pressed it on 
the sacred head of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our 
Father, &c. 

Let us Pray. 

O MOTHER of our eternal prince, and king 
of glory, by those sharp thorns, wherewith his 
most holy head was pierced, we beseech thee, 
that by thy intercession, we may be delivered 
here from all motions ot pride, and in the day 
of judgment from that confusion, which our sins 
deserve. Amen. 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LAD V. 



283 



IV. 

Jesus carrying his Cross. 
LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
our Lord Jesus Christ, being sentenced to die, 
bore with the most amazing patience the Cross, 
which was laid upon him for his greater torment, 
and ignominy. Our Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 
O HOLY Virgin, example of patience, by 
the most painful carrying of the Cross, in which 
thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ bore the heavy 
weight of our sins, obtain of him for us, by thy 
intercession, courage and strength, to follow his 
steps, and bear our cross after him to the end 
of our lives. Amen. 

V. 

The Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, being come 
to Mount Calvary, was stript of his clothes, and 
his hands and feet most cruelly nailed to the 
Cross, in the presence of his most afflicted 
Mother. Our Father, §-c. 

Let us Pray. 
O HOLY Mary, Mother of God, as the body 
of thy beloved Son was for us extended on the 
Cross, so may our desires be daily more and 
more stretched out in his service, andourhearts 
wounded with compassion of his most bitter pas- 



284 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 



sion. And thou, O most blessed Virgin, gra- 
ciously vouchsafe to help us to accomplish the 
work of our salvation, by thy powerful inter- 
cession. Amen. 

Hail Holy Queen, fyc. with the verse and pray- 
er as before. Page 21. 

THE THIRD PART. 

THE 

FIFE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES.* 
I. 

The Resurrection of Christ from the dead. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
our Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing gloriously 
over death, rose again the third day, immortal 
and impassable. 

Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, Glory be to 
the Father, fyc. as before. 

Let us Pray. 

O GLORIOUS Virgin Mary, by that un- 
speakable joy thou receivedst in the resurrection 
of thy only Son, we beseech thee, obtain of him 
for us, that our hearts may never go astray after 
the false joys of this world, but may be ever, 

* These Mysteries are assigned for Wednesdays and 
Saturdays throughout the year, and Sundays from 
Easier until Advent. 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. £85 

and wholly employed in the pursuit of the only 
true, and solid joys of Heaven. Amen. 

II. 

The Ascension of Christ into Heaven. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his re- 
surrection, ascended into heaven, attended by 
Angels, in the sight of his most holy mother, his 
holy apostles and disciples, to the great admira- 
tion of them all. Our Father, <^c. 

Let us Pray. 

O MOTHER of God, comfort of the afflict- 
ed, as thy beloved Son, when he ascended into 
heaven, lifted up his hands, and blessed his 
apostles : So vouchsafe, most holy mother, to 
lift up thy pure hands to him for us, that we 
may enjoy the benefit of his blessing, and thine 
here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen. 

III. 

The coming of the Holy Ghost to his disciples. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how our 
Lord Jesus Christ, being seated on the right 
hand of God, sent, as he had promised, the 
Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, who after he 
was ascended, returned to Jerusalem, continued 
in prayer and supplication with the blessed Vir- 
gin Mary, expecting the performance of his 
promise. Our Father, fyc. 



286 THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY, 



Let us Fray* 
O SACRED Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy 
Ghost, we beseech thee, obtain by thy interces- 
sion, that this most sweet comforter, whom thy 
beloved Son sent down upon his Apostles, filling 
them thereby with a spiritual joy, may teach us 
in this world, the true way of salvation, and 
make us walk in the path of virtue and good 
works. Amen. 

IV. 

T7ie Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary into 
Heaven. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how 
the glorious Virgin Mary, after the resurrection 
of her Son, passed out of this world unto him ; 
and was by him assumed into Heaven, accompa- 
nied by the holy Angels. Our Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 
O MOST prudent Virgin, who, entering into 
the heavenly palace, didst fill the holy Angels 
with joy, and man with hope, vouchsafe to inter- 
cede for us in the hour of death, that, free from 
the illusions and temptations of the devil, we 
may joyfully and successfully pass out of this 
temporal state to enjoy the happiness of eternal 
life. Amen. 

V. 

The Coronation of the most blessed Virgin Mary 
in Heaven. 

LET us contemplate in this Mystery, how the 



THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. 



287 



glorious "V ii gin Mary was, with great jubilee 
and exultation of the whole court of Heaven, 
and particular glor}^ of all the Saints, crowned by 
her Son with the brightest diadem of glory. Our 
Father, fyc. 

Let us Pray. 

O GLORIOUS Queen of all the heavenly 
Citizens, wo beseech thee, accept this Rosary, 
which as a crown of roses, we oiler at thy feet, 
and grant, most gracious lady, that by thy inter- 
cession, our souls may be inflamed with so ar- 
dent a desire of seeing thee so gloriously crown- 
ed, that it may never die in us, until it shall be 
changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed 
sight. Amen. 

SALVE REGINA. 

Hail 1 holy queen, mother of Mercy, our life, 
our sweetness, and our hope ; to thee we do 
cry, poor banished sons of Eve; to thee do we 
send up our sighs, mourning and weeping, in this 
valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious ad- 
vocate, thy eyes of mercy towards us, and after 
this our exile is ended, show unto us the bless- 
ed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O pious, 
O sweet Virgin Mary. 

Vers. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. 

Resp. That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

[See the prayer as in p. 28.] 



(288) 



THE OFFICE 

OB THE 

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

At Matins. 

V. Now let my lips sing and display, 
R. The blessed Virgin's praise this day, 
V. O Lady to my help intend : 
jR. Me strongly from my foes defend. 
Glory be to the Father, &c. 

The Hymn. 

HAIL Lady of the world, 

Of Heaven bright Queen : 
Hail Virgin of virgins, 

Star early seen. 
Hail full of all grace, 

Clear light divine ; 
Lady, to succour us, 

With speed incline. 
God, from eternity, 

Before all other, 
Of the world thee ordain'd 

To be the Mother. 
By which he created 

The Heavens, sea, land: 
His fair spouse he chose, 

Free from sin's band. 
V. God hath elected and pre-elected her. 
jR. He hath made her dwell in his tabernacle 



THE OFFICE OF THE 3. V. MARY. 289 

Let us pray, 

O HOLY Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, queen of heaven, and lady of the world, 
who neither forsakest or despisest any, behold 
me mercifully with the eye of pity, and obtain 
for me, of thy beloved Son, pardon for all my 
sins : that I, who, with devout affection, do now 
celebrate thy holy conception, may, hereafter, 
enjoy the reward of eternal bliss ; through the 
grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
whom thou, a virgin, didst bring forth : who, 
with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and 
reignest one God in perfect Trinity, for ever 
and ever. Amen. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer. 

R, And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. Let us bless our Lord. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

At Prime, 

V. O Lady, to my help intend. 

R. Me strongly from my foes defend, 

V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

* D 



£90 THE OFFICE OF THE 6. V. MARY. 

The Hymn. 

HAIL Virgin most prudent, 

House for God plac'd, 
With the seven-fold pillar 

And table grac'd. 
Sav'd from contagion 

Of the frail earth : 
In the womb of thy parent, 

Saint before birth. 
Mother of the living, 

Gate of Saint's merits, 
The new star of Jacob, 

Queen of pure spirits. 
To Zabulon fearful : 

Armies' array ; 
Be thou of Christians 

Refuge and stay. 

V. He hath created her in his holy Spirit. 
R. And hath poured her out, over all his 
works. 

Let us Pray. 
O holy Mary, Mother of our Lord, &c. as 
before. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V Let us bless our Lord. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 



THE OFFICE OF THE 13. V. MARY. 291 



At Third. 

V. O Lady, to my help intend ; 

R. Me strongly from my foes defend. 

V. Glory be to the Father, &x. 

The Hymn. 

HAIL ark of the covenant, 

King Solomon's throne, 
Bright rainbow of heaven, 

The bush of vision. 
The fleece of Gideon, 

The flow'ring rod ; 
Sweet honey of Samson, 

Closet of God. 
'Twas meet Son so noble 

Should save from stain, 
(Wherewith Eve's children 

Spotted remain.) 
The maid whom for mother 

He had elected, 
That she might be never 

With sin infected. 

V. I dwell in the highest ; 

jR. And my throne is the pillar of the clouds. 

Let us Pray. 

O holy Mary, Mother of our Lord, &c. as 
before. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer : 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. Let us bless our Lord. 

R. Thanks be to God. 



292 THE OFFICE OF THE F>. V. MARY. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

At Sixth, 
V. O Lady, to my help intend. 
R. Me strongly from my foes defend. 
V. Glory be to the Father, kc. 

The Hymn. 
HAIL Mother and Virgin : 

Of the Trinity 
Temple ; joy of Angels, 

Seal of purity. 
Comfort of mourners, 

Garden of pleasure ; 
Palm-tree of patience, 

Chastity's measure. 
Thou land sacerdotal, 

Art blessed wholly, 
From sin original 

Exempted solely. 
The city of the highest, 

Gate of the East ; 
Virgin's gem, in thee 

All graces rest. 

V. As the lily among thorns ; 
R. So my beloved among the daughters of 
Adam. 

Let us Pray. 

O holy Mary, Mother of our Lord, &c. as 
before. 



THE OFFICE OF THE B . V. MARY. 293 

F. O Lord hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. Let us bless our Lord ; 

R. Thanks be to God. 

V And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen 

At Ninth. 

V. O Lady, to my help intend. 

R. Me strongly from my foes defend. 

V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

The Hymn, 

HAIL city of refuge, 

King David's tower, 
Fenc'd with bulwark, 

And armour's power. 
In thy conception 

Charity did flame , 
The fierce dragon's pride 

Was brought to shame. 
Judith invincible, 

Woman of arms, 
Fair Abisaig, Virgin, 

True David warms, 
Son of fair Rachael 

Did Egypt store ; 
Mary of the world 

The Saviour bore. 

V. Thou art all fair, O my beloved. 
R. And original spot was never in thee. 
* D 2 



294 THE OFFICE OF THE B. V. MARY. 

Let us Pray, 
O holy Mary, &c. as before. 
V. O Lord hear my prayer ; 
R. And let my cry come unto thee. 
V. Let us bless our Lord ; 
R. Thanks be to God. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

At Even-Song. 
V. O Lady, to my help intend : 
R. Me strongly from my foes defend 
V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

The Hymn, 
HAIL dial, in which 

Turns retrograde, 
The sun, ten degrees ; 

The Word is flesh made, 
That man from hell pit 

To Heaven might rise, 
Th' immense above angels, 

In stable lies. 
This Son did on Mary 

Betimes appear, 
Made her conception 

A morning clear. 
Fair lily among thorns, 

That serpent frights, 
Clear moon that in dark 

The wanderer lights. 

In Heaven I made a never failing light rise, 
i?. And I covered all the world as a mist. 



THE OFFICE OF THE B . V. MARY. 295 



Let us Pray. 
O holy Mary, kc. as before, 
V. O Lord hear my prayer : 
R. And let my cry come unto thee, 
V. Let us bless our Lord ; 
JR. Thanks be to God. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

At Compline. 

V. Let thy Son, Jesus Christ, O Lady, paci- 
fied by thy prayers, convert us ; 
R. And turn his anger from us. 
V. O Lady, to my help intend. 
R. Me strongly from my foes defend. 
V. Glory be to the Father, kc 

The Hymn. 
HAIL flourishing Virgin, 

Chastity's renown ; 
Queen of clemency, 

Whom stars do crown. 
Thou pure above Angels, 

Dost Son behold, 
Sitt'st at his right hand, 

Attir'd in gold. 
Mother of grace 5 hope 

To the dismay 'd : 
Bright star of the sea, 

^ In shipwreck, aid. 
Grant Heaven-gate open, 

That by thee blest, 
We thy Son may see 

In blissful rest. 



296 THE OFFICE OF 1 HE B. V. MARY. 



V. Thy name, Mary, is oil poured out. 

R. Thy servants have exceedingly loved thee. 

Let us Pray. 

O HOLY Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, queen of Heaven, and lady of the world, 
who neither forsakest or despisest any, behold 
me mercifully with an eye of pity, and obtain for 
me of thy beloved Son, pardon of all my sins; 
that I, who, with devout affection, do now cele- 
brate thy holy conception, may hereafter enjoy 
the reward of eternal bliss ; through the grace 
and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom 
thou, a Virgin, didst bring forth ; who, with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth, &c. 

V. O Lord hear my prayer 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

V. Let us bless our Lord; 

R. Thanks be to God. 

V. And may the souls of the faithful depart- 
ed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

The Commendation. 

TO thee, Virgin pious, 

We humbly present 
These hours canonical 

With pure intent, 
Guide pilgrims, until 

With Christ we meet : 
In our agony aid us, 

O Virgin sweet. Amen. 



THE OFFICE OF THE B. V. MARY. 



297 



This Anthem following, with the Prayer of the 
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, 
is approved of by Pope Paul V. who hath 
granted a hundred days of indulgence to all 
faithful Christians, that shall devoutly recite the 
same. 

Anthem, 

THIS is the branch, in which was neither 
knot of original, nor bark of actual sin found. 

V. In thy conception, O Virgin, thou wast 
immaculate. 

R. Pray unto the Father for us, whose Son 
thou didst bring forth. 

Let us Pray. 

O GOD, who by the immaculate conception 
of the Blessed Virgin, didst prepare a fit habita- 
tion for thy Son, we beseech thee, that, as by 
the foreseen death of her same Son, thou didst 
preserve her pure from all spot, so likewise 
grant, that we, by her intercession made free 
from sin, may attain unto thee ; through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who, with thee and 
the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, 
world without end. Amen. 



(298) 



JESUS PSALTER. 

Acts, iv. 12. 

There is no other name under Heaven, given to 
Men, in which we may be saved. 

ADVERTISEMENT. 

THE Psalters now in use amongst devout 
Christians, are of three sorts. The first is Da- 
vid's, which contains thrice fifty Psalms. The 
second is that of our blessed Lady, commonly 
called the Rosary, or Beads, composed of thrice 
fifty Hail Marys. The third is the Psalter, or 
Invocation of Jesus ; which consisting of fifteen 
Petitions, and the glorious name of JESUS being 
to be repeated ten times before each of them, the 
Repetition is likewise made thrice fifty times. 

It may be said as the Rosary, either all at once, 
or at thrice (which will perhaps be better ) ac- 
cording to the Person's devotion and leisure ; for 
as much as this sacred name is not to be repeated 
over hastily, but zvith great reverence and atten- 
tion. 

You must begin with a devout Genuflection, or 
bowing, at the admirable Name of JESUS, saying, 

IN the name of Jesus, let every knee bow, of 
things in heaven, of things in earth, and. of 
things under the earth : And let every thing 
confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ is in the 
glory of God the Father. Philip, ii 10. 11. 



JESUS PSALTER. 



299 



First Petition, 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, V Have mercy on me. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 



JESUS, have mercy on me, O God of com- 
passion, and forgive the many and great offences 
I have committed in thy sight. 

Many have been the follies of this life, and 
great are the miseries, I have deserved for my 
ingratitude. 

Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak : 
0 Lord, heal me, who am unable to help myself. 

Deliver me from setting my heart upon any 
of thy creatures, which may divert my eyes 
from a continual looking up to thee. 

Grant me grace henceforth for the love of 
thee, to hate sin ; and out of a just esteem of 
thee, to despise all worldly vanities. 

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I be- 
seech thee ; turn their vices into virtues, and 
making them true observers of thy law, and 
sincere lovers of thee, bring them to bliss in 
everlasting glory. 

Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, 
for thy bitter passion, I beseech thee, and for 
thy glorious name, Jesus. 

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have 
mercy on me. 

Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, kc. 



Second Petition, 




Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > Help me. 



300 



JESUS PSALTER. 



JESUS, help me to overcome all temptations 
to sin, and the malice of my ghostly enemy. 

Help me to spend my time in virtuous actions, 
and in such labours, as are acceptable to thee. 

To resist and repress the motions of my flesh, 
in sloth, gluttony, and carnality. 

To render my heart enamoured of virtue, and 
inflamed with desires of thy glorious presence. 

Help me to deserve and keep a good name, 
by a peaceful and pious living, to thy honour, O 
Jesus, my own comfort, and the benefit of others. 
Have mercy on all sinners, &rc as in page 47. 



JESUS, strengthen me in my soul and body 
to please thee, in executing such works of vir- 
tue, as may bring me to thy everlasting joy and 
felicity. 

Grant me a firm purpose, most merciful Sa- 
viour, to amend my life, and to recompense for 
the years past. 

Those years which I have mispent to thy dis- 
pleasure, in vain or wicked thoughts, words, 
deeds and evil customs. 

Make my heart obedient to thy will, and 
ready for thy love, to perform all the works of 
mercy. 

Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which 
through a virtuous life, and a devout frequent* 



Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, <K 



Third Petition. 




JFSUS PSALTFR. 



301 



ng of thy most holy sacraments, may at length, 
bring me to thy heavenly kingdom. 

Have mercy on all sinners, fyc. page 47. 
Our Father, 4*c. Hail Mary, &c. 

Fourth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, } 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ Comfort me. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 

JESUS, comfort me, and give me grace to 
place my chief, my only joy and felicity in thee. 

Send me heavenly meditations, spiritual sweet- 
ness, and fervent desires of thy glory ; ravish 
my soul with the contemplations of Heaven, 
where I shall everlastingly dwell with thee. 

Bring often to my remembrance thy unspeak- 
able goodness, thy gifts, and the great kindness 
which thou hast shown to me. 

And when thou bringest to my mind the sad 
remembrance of my sins, whereby I have so 
unkindly offended thee, comfort me with the 
assurance of obtaining thy grace, by the spirit 
of perfect penance, which may purge away my 
guilt, and prepare me for thy kingdom. 

Have mercy on all sinners, fyc. Page 50. 

Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, <^c 

Fifth Petition. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, } 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ Make me constant. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 

JESUS make me constant in Faith, Hope and 
Charity ; give me a perseverance in all virtue, 
and a resolution never to offend thee. 
* E 



oUZ JESUS PSALTER. 

Let the memory of thy passion, and of those 
bitter pains thou sufferedst for me, strengthen 
my patience, and recreate me in all tribulation 
and adversity. 

Let me always hold fast the doctrines of thy 
Catholic Church, and render me a diligent fre- 
quenter of all holy duties. 

Let no false delight of this deceitful world 
blind me, no fleshly temptation, or fraud of the 
devil, shake my heart. 

My heart which has for ever set up its rest in 
thee, and resolved to undervalue all for thy 
eternal reward. 

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech 
thee, and turn their vices into virtues ; and 
making them true observers of thy law, and 
sincere lovers of thee, bring them to bliss in 
everlasting glory. 

Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, 
for thy bitter passion, I beseech thee, and for 
thy glorious name Jesus. 

0 blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have 
mercy on me. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled himself being 
made obedient unto Death, even the Death of the 
Cross. Philip, ii. 8. 

Hear these my petitions, O my most merciful 
Saviour, and grant me thy grace so frequently 
to repeat and consider them, that they may prove 
easy steps, whereby my soul may climb up to 
the knowledge, love and performance of my 
duty to thee and my neighbours, through the 
whole course of my life. Amen. 

Our Father, Hail Mary 3 <^c. 

1 believe in God, fyc. 



JESUS PSALTER. 



S03 



Begin as before, saying, 
IN the name of Jesus, let every knee bow, 
fyc. Page 46. 

Sixth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) r , , 

T t x f Lnlighten me with 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ e ;~:{- ua i y^^om 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) "^ Ail ua W1S om ' 

JESUS, enlighten me with spiritual wisdom, 
lo know thy goodness, and all those things which 
are most acceptable to thee. 

Grant me a clear apprehension of my only 
good, and a discretion to order my life accord- 
ing to it. 

Grant that I may wisely proceed from virtue 
to virtue, till at length I arrive unto the clear 
vision of thy glorious Majesty. 

Permit me not, dear Lord, to return to those 
sins for which I have sorrowed, and of which 
I have purged myself by confession : Grant me 
grace to benefit the souls of others by my good 
example, and to reduce those by good counsel, 
who misbehave themselves towards it. 

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I be- 
seech thee turn their vices into virtues, and 
making them true observers of thy law, and sin- 
cere lovers of thee, bring them to bliss in ever- 
lasting glory. 

Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, 
for thy bitter passion, I beseech thee, and for 
thy glorious name, Jesus. 

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have 
mercy on me. 

Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, &c. 



304 



JESUS PSALTER. 



Seventh Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) ^ , . 
t t x f Grant me grace to 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > £ .1 
T j j 9 ( tear thee. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 

JESUS, grant me grace inwardly to fear thee, 
and to avoid all occasions of offending thee. 

Let thy threats of the torments which are to 
fall on sinners, and fear of losing thy love, and 
thy heavenly inheritance, always keep me in 
awe. 

Let me not dare to remain in sin, but return 
soon to repentance, lest through thy anger, the 
dreadful sentence of endless death and damna- 
tion fall upon me. 

Let the powerful intercession of thy blessed 
mother and all thy saints, but above all, thy own 
merits and mercy, O my Saviour, ever be be- 
tween thy revenging justice, and my poor soul. 

Enable me, O God, to work out my salvation 
with fear and trembling ; and let the apprehen- 
sion of thy secret judgment, render me a more 
humble and diligent suitor at the throne of thy 
grace. 

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Page 47. 
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. 

Eighth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,") ^ , , 1 

t ' T j ' f Grant me grace to love 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, y ^ 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, J 

JESUS, grant me grace truly to love thee, 
for thy infinite goodness, and those excessive 



JESUS PSALTER* 



305 



bounties I have, and hope for ever to receive 
from thee. 

Let the remembrance of thy kindness and 
patience, conquer the malice and wretched in- 
clinations of my perverse nature. 

Let the consideration of my many deliver- 
ances, thy frequent calls and continual assistances 
in the way of my life, make me ashamed of my 
ingratitude. 

And what dost thou require of me for all thy 
mercies, or by them, but to love thee ? And 
why dost thou require it, but because thou art 
my only Good? 

O my dear Lord! My whole life shall be 
nothing but a desire of thee ; and because I in- 
deed love thee, I will most diligently keep thy 
commandments. 

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Page 47. 



JESUS, grant me grace always to remember 
my death, and the great account I am then to 
give ; that so my soul being always well dispos- 
ed, it may depart out of this world in thy grace. 

Then, by the holy intercession of thy blessed 
Mother, and the assistance of the glorious St. 
Michael, deliver me from the enemy of my soul : 
And thou, my good angel, I beseech thee, to help 
me at that most important hour. 



Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. 



Ninth Petition. 



Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 



Grant me grace to re- 
member my death. 



* E 2 



506 



JESUS PSALTER. 



Then, dear Jesus, remember thy mercy, and 
turn not thy most amiable face away from me 
on account of my offences. Secure me against 
the terrors of that day, by causing me now to 
die daily to all earthly things, and to have my 
continual conversation in heaven. 

Let the remembrance of thy death teach me 
how to esteem my life, and the memory of thy 
Resurrection encourage me to descend cheer- 
fully into the grave. 

Have mercy on all sinners, <^c. Page 47. 

Our Father, fyc. Hail Mary, fyc. 

Tenth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, } c -, , 
x T j ' f bend me here my 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > ^ , J 
7 t t ( rurgratory. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) to J 

JESUS, send me here my Purgatory, and so 
prevent the torments of that cleansing fire, 
which attend those souls in the next world, that 
have not been sufficiently purged in this. 

Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful crosses 
and afflictions, which thou seest necessary for 
the taking off my affections from all things here 
below. 

Since none can see thee, that love anything 
which is not for thy sake, suffer not my heart to 
find any rest here but in sighing after thee. 

Too bitter, alas ! will be the anguish of a soul 
which is separated from thee, which desires, but 
cannot come to thee, being clogged with the 
heavy chains of sins. 

Hear then, O my Saviour ; keep me continue 



JESUS PSALTER. 



sor 



ally mortified to this world ; that being purged 
thoroughly with the fire of thy love, I may im- 
mediately pass from hence into thy everlasting 
possession. 

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech 
thee ; turn their vices into virtues, and making 
them true observers of thy law, and sincere 
lovers of thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting 
glory. 

Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for 
thy bitter passion, I beseech thee, and for thy 
glorious name, Jesus. 

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have 
mercy on me. 

Our Lord Jesus Oirist humbled himself, being 
made obedient unto Death, even the Death of the 
Cross, Philip, ii. 8. 

Hear these my petitions, &c. Page 50. 

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. I believe in 
God, &c. 

Begin as before, saying, 

In the name of Jesus let every knee bow, &c. 
Page 46. 

Eleventh Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, } r , 

t x T ' f Grant me grace to 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > . n & 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) av0ld l!1 ™*9™7- 
JESUS, grant me grace to avoid ill company i 
or, if I chance to come among such, I beseech 
thee, by the merits of thy incorrupt conversa- 
tion among sinners, preserve me from being 
overcome by any temptations to mortal sin. 



308 



JESUS PSALTER. 



Cause me, O blessed Jesus, to remember al- 
ways, with dread, that thou art present and 
hearest, who will take an account of all our 
words and actions, and wilt judge us according to 
them. 

How dare I then converse with slanderers, 
liars, drunkards, or swearers, whose discourse 
is either quarrelsome, dissolute, or vain. 

Repress in me, dear Jesus, all inordinate af- 
fections to carnal attachments, and to the delight 
of taste, granting me the grace to avoid such 
company as would blow the fire of those unruly 
appetites. 

May thy power defend, may thy wisdom di- 
rect, may thy fatherly pity chastise me, and 
make me live so here among men, that I may be 
fit for the conversation of angels hereafter. 

Have mercy on all sinners, 4"c. as in page 47. 

Our Father, 4*c. Hail Mary, fyc. 

Twelfth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, } Grant me grace to 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ call on thee for 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) help. 

JESUS, grant me grace in all my necessities, 
to call on thee for help, faithfully remembering 
thy death and resurrection for me. 

Wilt thou be deaf to my cries, that wouldst 
lay down thy life for my ransom ? Or canst thou 
not save me, that couldst take it up again for my 
Crown ? 

Whom have I in heaven but thee, O Jesus? 
Whose blessed mouth has pronounced, Call on 



JESUS PSALTER. 



309 



me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver 
thee. 

Thou art my sure rock of defence against 
all sorts of enemies : Thou art my ready grace, 
able to strengthen me to every good work. 

Therefore, in all my sufferings, in all my 
weaknesses and temptations, I will confidently 
call on thee : Hear me, O my Jesus, and when 
thou hearest, have mercy. 

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Page 47. 

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. 

Thirteenth Petition* 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) , 

t •¥- j ' f Make me persevere in 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, > . , r 

t t t ( virtue. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) 

JESUS, make me persevere in virtue and a 
good life, and never give over thy service till 
thou bringest me to my reward in thy kingdom. 

In all pious customs and holy duties, in my 
honest and necessary employments, continue and 
strengthen, O Lord, both my soul and body. 

Is my life any thing but a Pilgrimage on earth, 
towards the New Jerusalem to which he that sits 
down, or turns out of the way, can never arrive. 

O Jesus, make me always consider thy blessed 
example, through how many pains and how little 
pleasure didst thou press on to a bitter death ! 
that being the way to the glorious resurrection. 

Make me, O my Redeemer, seriously weigh 
these severe words of thine, that he only that 
•perseveres to the End shall be saved. Matt. 24. v. 
13. 

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Page 47. 



310 



JESUS PSALTER. 



Our Father. &c. Hail Mary, &c 
Fourteenth Petition. 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ^ Grant me grace to 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ fix my mind on 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) thee. 

JESUS, grant me grace to fix my mind on 
thee, especially in time of prayer, when I direct- 
ly converse with thee. 

Stop the motions of my wandering head, the 
desires of my unstable heart, and suppress the 
power of my spiritual enemies, who endeavour 
at that time, to draw my mind from heavenly 
thoughts, to many vain imaginations. 

So shall I, with joy and gratitude, look on thee, 
as my deliverer from all the evils I have escaped, 
and as my benefactor for all the goods I have 
ever received, or can hope for. 

I shall see that thou thyself art my only good, 
and that all other things are but means ordained 
by thee, to make me fix my mind on thee, to 
make me love thee, more, and by loving thee, to 
be eternally happy. 

O beloved of my soul, take up all my thoughts 
here ; that mine eyes, abstaining from all vain 
and hurtful sights, may become worthy to behold 
thee face to face in thy glory for ever. 

Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Page 47. 

Our Father, kc. Hail Mary, &c. 

Fifteenth Petition. 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, \ Give me grace to order 
Jesus* Jesus, Jesus, \ my life with reference 
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, ) to my eternal welfare. 



JESUS PSALTER. 



311 



JESUS, give me grace to order my life with 
reference to my eternal welfare ; heartily intend- 
ing and wisely designing all the operations of my 
body and soul for obtaining the reward of thine 
infinite bliss, and eternal felicity. 

For what else is this world, but a school to 
breed up souls, and fit them for the other? And 
how are they fitted, but by an eager desire of 
enjoying God their only end. 

Break my fro ward spirit, O Jesus, make it 
humble and obedient. Grant me grace to depart 
hence, with contempt of this world, and a heart 
filled with joy at my going to thee. 

Let the memory of thy passion make me 
cheerfully undergo all temptations or sufferings 
here for thy love, whilst my soul breathes after 
that blissful hfe, and immortal glory, which thou 
hast ordained in heaven for thy servants. 

O Jesus, let me, frequently and attentively 
consider, whatsoever I gain, if I lose thee, all 
is lost ; and whatsoever I lose, if I gain thee, all 
is gained. 

Have mercy on all sinners, 4*c Page 47. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled himself, being 
made obedient unto Death, even the Death of the 
Cross. Philip, ii 8. 

Hear these my petitions, &c. Page 50. 

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. I believe in 
God, &c. 



(312) 



THE ROSARY 

OF THE 

BLESSED NAME OF JESUS. 
+ 

In the name of the Father, and of the Sod, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

THOU, O Lord, wilt open my lips. 

And my tongue shall announce thy praise. 

Incline unto my aid, O God. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost. 

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be 
for ever. Amen. 

The Jive Mysteries of the first part. 
I. 

THE Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Meditation. 

THE Son of God assumes human flesh out of 
the pure blood of the blessed Mary, ever Vir 
gin, and is made man in her womb. 

0 Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us 
ten times. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 

II. 

THE birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



THE ROSARY OF JESUS. 



313 



The Meditation. 

THE Saviour of the world is born for our 
redemption : his mother remaining a Virgin. 

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us— 
ten times. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 

III. 

THE circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour being eight days old, begins to 
suffer for our sins, and his blood already flows 
for us. He is circumcised according to the law, 
as if he had been himself a sinner. 

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us — 
ten times. Glory be to the Father, kc 

IV. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ is found in the tem- 
ple. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour being twelve years old, shows 
himself more than mortal by his knowledge and 
wisdom, teaching the teachers of the Jews. 

0 Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us — 
ten times. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

V. 

THE baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



314 



THE ROSARV OF JESUS. 



The Meditation. 
THE Saviour of the world is baptized by St. 
John. The eternal Father declares him to be 
his Son. 

O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us — 
ten times. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

The Prayer. 

O JESUS, whose name is above all names, 
that in the name of Jesus every knee may bend, 
of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell. 
Who at the times appointed by the Eternal Wis- 
dom, assumedst flesh in the womb of the blessed 
Mary, ever Virgin, and thus became the son of 
David; whose birth gladdened men and angels. 
Who began so early to suffer for us, and to shed 
on our account that blood that washeth away the 
sins of the world. Whose immortal wisdom ap- 
peared at the age of twelve years. To whose 
baptism all heaven was attentive, grant to us to 
celebrate those mysteries to thy honour, and 
our own salvation. Who with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, one God, 
for all eternity. Amen. 

The Jive Mysteries of the second part. 

I. 

OUR Saviour washeth his disciples' feet. 

The Meditation. 
OUR Saviour to show us an example of hu- 
mility, and how much we ought to serve each 



THE ROSARY OF JESUS. 



315 



other, descendeth «?o low as to wash the feet of 
his disciples, though he is the God whom hea- 
ven and earth adore. 

O Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, have 
mercy on us — ten times. Glory, &,c. 

II. 

THE Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ in the 
garden. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour knowing his passion to be now 
at hand, is so affected with the thoughts of it, 
and so oppressed with the load of our sins, that 
he prays to his almighty Father, that the bitter 
cup might pass away from him. 

O Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, have 
mercy on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

Ill 

OUR Saviour is apprehended. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour, as if he had been no more than 
mortal man, yields to the power of men, and 
permits himself for our redemption to be appre- 
hended as if he were a malefactor. 

O Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, have 
mercy on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

IV. 

OUR Saviour carries his cross. 



316 



THE ROSARY OF JESUS. 



The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour being torn with scourges, and 
pierced with thorns, to expiate our sins, is obliged 
to carry the cross, on which he is to die, and 
moves on labouring in sorrow, towards the place 
of his crucifixion. 

O Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews, have 
mercy on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

/ V. ,. ■ ' /.:[[;■ . 
THE descent of our Saviour into hell. 

The Meditation. 

THE soul of our Saviour being separated by 
death from the body, descends to that place, 
where the saints were expecting his redemption. 

The Prayer. 

O JESUS, whose name is above all names, 
that in the name of Jesus every knee ma}r bend, 
of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell. 
Whose mysterious humiliations and sorrows ap- 
pointed for thee, on account of our sins, appear- 
ed in thy washing of the feet of thy servants and 
creatures : in thy distress and prayer, and bloody 
sweat : in thy being secured and brought before 
courts as a criminal : in thy bearing the load 
of the cross ; and in the separation of thy soul 
from the body, and its descent to the regions 
below : grant to us to celebrate these mysteries 
to thy honour, and our own salvation Who 



THE ROSARY OF JESUS. 31 7 

with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and 
reignest one God for all eternity. Amen. 

The Jive Mysteries of the third part. 

i 

THE resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Meditation. 

THE soul of our Lord Jesus Christ, which 
had been separated from the body, is reunited to 
it by a miracle of the almighty power, and that 
body which had been dead, rises to die no more. 

0 Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy 
on us — ten times* Glory, &c. 

II. 

THE ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ ascends into the 
highest heaven, where the Saviour of mankind 
sits at the right hand of God, the Father Al- 
mighty. 

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on 
us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

m. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ sends down the 
Holy Ghost. 

F2 



318 



THE ROSAKY OF JESUS. 



The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour now seated at the right hand of 
God his almighty Father, sends down the Holy 
Ghost, to inspire and animate his disciples, that 
they may be qualified to publish to mankind his 
cross and his glory. 

0 Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy 
on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

IV. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ crowning the blessed 
saints. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour having by his passion, resurrec- 
tion, and ascension, opened a way for the sons 
of Adam to Heaven, which they had lost by sin, 
bestow r s to his Mother and his saints a crown of 
immortal glory. 

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy 
on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 

V. 

OUR Lord Jesus Christ coming to judgment. 

The Meditation. 

OUR Saviour will come in power and majes- 
ty, to judge the living and the dead, and to re- 
turn to every one according to his works. 

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy 
on us — ten times. Glory, &c. 



THE ROSARY OF JESUS. 



319 



The Prayer. 

O JESUS, whose name is above all names,, 
that in the name of Jesus, every knee may bend, 
of those that are in heaven, on earth, and in hell : 
whose body was nailed to the cross for mankind, 
the Almighty raised from death, glorious and im- 
mortal ; who by thy ascension triumphed over 
death, and held captivity captive. Who accord- 
ing to thy promise, sent down the spirit that 
proceedeth from the Father and the Son, the 
Comforter and the Enlivener, who stretching 
forth the bounty of thy almighty hand, shed 
upon the chosen children of Adam that glory, 
that neither eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard, 
nor hath it entered into the heart of man, 
and who will come forth in power and majesty 
to judge the living and the dead, before whose 
throne all mortals will appear; grant us to cele- 
brate those mysteries to thy honour, and our 
own salvation: who with the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God for all 
eternity. Amen. 

N. B The repeating the above prayers for 
meditations, is not absolutely necessary. Those 
who cannot meditate on the mysteries, let them 
say the creed beforehand in this Rosary and in 
that of the blessed Virgin. 

The works belonging to this Rosary, or to the 
Rosary of the blessed Virgin, do not bind under 
any sin. 



(320) 



A NOVENA 

TO THE INFjQNT JESUS. 

" THIS Novena is usually made during the 
" nine days preceding Christmas, to prepare for 
" the coming of Christ, and to obtain some par- 
" ticular favour." 

Being fully recollected in spirit, and respect" 
fully kneeling before the Altar or Picture of the 
nativity of our Lord, you will address the follow- 
ing petition to our blessed Lady and St. Joseph, 
beginning with the sign of the Cross. 

Petition. 

O MOST sacred Virgin, and blessed St. Jo- 
seph, obtain for us the grace to perform this 
Novena with such attention, devotion and ardent 
charity, as will entitle us to join the Angels in 
rendering glory to God. Amen. 

"Let us say twelve Hail Marys, in remem* 
tC brance of the care and solicitude shown by 
u our blessed Lady, towards the Infant Jesus, 
<< 'till his twelfth year." Hail Mary, &c. 

" Let us say three our Fathers, in honour 
" of the three years of our Lord's infancy/ 
Our Father, &c. 

"Let us make three aspirations, to incline 
46 the Infant Jesus to turn his favourable atten- 
" tion on us." 

1st. O DIVINE Infant of Bethlehem, whom 



A NO VENA TO THE INFANT JESUS. 321 

we adore and acknowledge to be our sovereign 
Lord, come and take birth in our hearts. Amen. 

2d. O INFANT Jesus, grant that each mo- 
ment of our lives, we may pay homage to that 
moment, in which thou didst begin the work of 
our salvation. Amen. 

3d. 0 SACRED Mother of our Infant Saviour, 
obtain that, we may so prepare ourselves for his 
coming as not to be separated from him for all 
eternity. Amen. 

Let us Pray. 

MOST holy Infant Jesus, true God and true 
man, our Saviour and Redeemer ; with all ear- 
nestness and respect, we beseech thee, by that 
charity, humility and bounty which thou didst 
display in thy infancy, graciously undertaken for 
the love of us, that thou vouchsafe to grant us 
the favour we now beg, if it be for the honour 
of God and our salvation. Amen. 

"Here each one will petition in spirit the 
'? particular favour he wishes to obtain." — 
(Pause for a short time.) 

O MOST amiable Infant Jesus, we are most 
unworthy to be heard in this our petition, but 
thy holy Mother, the Virgin Mary, and the great 
St. Joseph, thy foster Father while on earth, 
are worthy to be heaid soliciting in our behalf. 
Then, O divine Infant, being mindful of their 
most sublime merits, especially those they ac- 



S2£ A NOVENA TO THE INFANT JESUS . 

quired during the time they served thee in thy 
infancy in Bethlehem, thy flight into Egypt, and 
thy childhood at Nazareth, vouchsafe to grant 
our request, and give us the grace to promote 
the honour of thy omnipotent infancy, to serve 
thee with fidelity as domestic servants all the 
days of our lives, and to obtain a happy death, 
assisted in that last hour by the blessed Virgin 
and St. Joseph, whose zeal for thy honour will 
lead us to praise and bless thy divine mercies 
for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Anthem. 
WHILST deep silence dwelt on all things be- 
low, and the night was in the midst of its course, 
the almighty word came down from its throne. 
Alleluia. 

The Litany. 

LORD have mercy on us. 
Christ have mercy on us. 
Lord have mercy on us. 
Christ have mercy on us. 
God the Father of Heaven, 
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, 
God the Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, one God, 
Infant, Jesus Christ, 
Infant, true God, 
Infant, Son of the living God, 
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, 
Infant, strong in weakness, 
Infant, powerful in tenderness, 
Infant, treasure of grace, 



A LITANY OF THE INFANT JLSUS. 



323 



Infant, fountain of love, 

Infant, renewer of the Heavens, 

Infant, repairer of the earth, 

Infant, head of the Angels, |S 

Infant, root of the Patriarchs, | 

Infant, speech of Prophets, ^ 

Infant, desire of the Gentiles, f | 

Infant, joy of Shepherds, 

Infant, light of the Magi, § 

Infant, salvation of Infants, g 

Infant, expectation of the just, 

Infant, instructor of the wise, 

Infant, first fruit of all saints, 

Be merciful to us. Hear us Infant Jesus. 

Be merciful to us. Spare us Infant Jesus. 

From the slavery of the Child of Adam, de- 
liver us, O Infant Jesus. 

From the slavery of the devil, deliver us, O In- 
fant Jesus. 

From the concupiscence of the flesh, deliver us, 
O Infant Jesus. 

From the malice of the world, deliver us, O In- 
fant Jesus. 

From the pride of life,deliverus,0 Infant Jesus. 
From the inordinate desire of, knowing, deliver 

us, O Infant Jesus. 
From blindness of spirit, deliver us, O Infant 

Jesus. 

From an evil will, deliver us, O Infant Jesus. 
From our sins, deliver us, O Infant Jesus. 
Through thy most pure conception, Hear us, O 

Infant Jesus. 
Through thy most humble nativity, Hear us, O 

Infant Jesus. 



324 A LITINY OF THE INFANT JESUS. 



Through thy tears, '•j ft; 

Through thy most painful circumcision, « 
Through thy most glorious manifestation, a 
Through thy most pious presentation, q 
Through thy most innocent conversation, J- 
Through thy most divine life, ft 4 
Through thy poverty, 
Through thy many sufferings, 
Through thy labours and travels, 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, spare us, Infant Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, hear us, Infant Jesus. 
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 

world, have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus. 

Let us Pray. 
O LORD Jesus, who didst, for the love of us, 
vouchsafe to reduce thy incarnated divinity and 
most divine humanity, to the humiliating state of 
birth and infancy, grant that we, acknowledging 
thy infinite wisdom in thy infancy, thy power in 
thy weakness and thy majesty in thy littleness, 
may adore thee, a little one on earth, and behold 
thee great in Heaven, who livest and reignest 
with God the Father, in unity with the Holy 
Ghost, world without end. Amen. 



( 325 ) 



THE 

LITTLE OFFICE 

OF THE 

BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

At Matins. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. O LORD, open thou my lips. 
R. And my mouth shall declare thy praise. 
V. O God, incline unto my aid. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Ghost, &c. 

The Hymn. 

PANGE LINGUA. 

SING, O my tongue, devoutly sing, 
The glorious body's mystery , 
And of that precious blood the king 
Of nations poured forth, to free 
The world from a disastrous doom : 
O blessed fruit of noblest womb ! 
Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, is thy spirit, who, 
that thou mightest show thy sweetness towards 
thy children, by most sweet bread sent from 
Heaven fillest the hungry with good things, 
sending the rich away empty. 

*G 



326 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

jr. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. Allelujah. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. Allelujah. * * 

The Prayer. 
O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament has 
left us a perpetual memory of thy passion ; grant 
us, we beseech thee, so to reverence the sacred 
mysteries of thy body and blood, that we may 
continually perceive in our souls the fruit of thy 
redemption ; who with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost livest and reignest, ever one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

At Prime. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of Angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. O God, incline unto my aid. 

R. O Lord make haste to help me. 

V. Glory be to the Father, kc. Allelujah. 

The Hymn. 

ON us bestow'd, for us, by birth, 
He from a virgin did proceed, 
And being conversant here on earth 
Till he had sown the gospel's seed, 
The time of his prolonged stay, 
He closed in an admired way. 

Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, is thy spirit, &c. 

V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 



OFFICE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 327 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de 
light. 

The Prayer. 
O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, &c. 

At Third. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. O God, incline unto my aid. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

The Hymn. 

HE on the final supper night, 
Among his brethren taking seat, 
And well observing th' ancient rite, 
Touching the laws prescribing meat, 
Gave to the twelve (his chosen band) 
Himself for food, with his own hand. 

Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, &c. 
V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 

R Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. 

The Prayer. 
0 GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, kc. 

At Sixth. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of Angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 



328 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

R. Amen. 

V. O God, incline unto my aid. 

R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 

V. Glory be to the Father, kc. Allelvjah. 

The Hymn. 

TH' incarnate Word, by words he said, 
Turn'd into flesh substantial bread, 
And wine the blood of Christ was made, 
Though sense found nothing altered ; 
This to confirm in hearts sincere, 
There needs no more if faith be there. 

Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, is thy spirit, kc. 
V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. 

The Prayer. 
O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, &c. 

At Ninth. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of Angels and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. O God, incline unto my aid. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, kc. 

The Hymn. 
TH' angelic bread may now be styl'd 
The bread of man ; a heavenly bread, 



nvitation to me to attend the one " hun- 
anr.iversary meeting of tha Continental 
3ss in their nail on this day has, from an 
nlation of papers and letters during my 
visit East, escaped my attention until this 
it. Fleasa excuse apparent neglect. It 
have afforded me pleasure to attend your 
ses on an occasion of so much interest. I 
hey will be attended with all the interest 
ccaslons should naturally inspire. 

4l U. 9. Grant.' 1 
old hall was visited by hundreds in the 
g, the doors being thrown open to the 
. The hall was illuminated, and a band 
jic was in attendance. Gas jets in front 
main entrance when lighted typified the 
;n original States, and brought in the new. 
scriniion waa. "Tne H$tt<5>n/8 BUShplage," 



iii the year ib<t>. au 

International exhib; 

OF 

MANUFACTURES, AND P 

THE SOIL AND MINI 

Exhibition will be opened on tl 

• sed on the 19th of October. 

APPLICATIONS FOR SP . 

acure space for exhibits in tl 
it early application should t 
try forms for application, tog 
tions for exhibitors and need 
forwarded on application to t 
nial Commission. 

A. T. GOSH 
Dire 

CAMPBELL, 

Secretary. 



OFFICE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 329 

W hich types and figures hath exil'd, 
And us with wonder hath ecstasied, 
That the poor humble servant should 
Receive his master for his food. 
Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, &c. 
V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. 

The Prayer. 
O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, &c. 

At Even Song. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. O God, incline unto my aid. 

R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 

V. Glory be to the Father, &c. Allelujalu 

The Hymn. 

TO this great sacrament therefore, 
Let's give the prostrate worship due 
And may the ancient rites no more 
Take place, but yield it to the new ; 
Let faith in Jesus Christ supply 
The senses' insufficiency. 

Ant. O holy banquet, in which Christ is re- 
ceived, the memory of his passion renewed, 
the soul is filled with grace, ard a pledge of fu- 
ture glory is given us. 

* G 2 



330 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. 

The Prayer. 

O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, hast 
left us a perpetual memorial of thy passion ; grant 
us, we beseech thee, so to reverence the sacred 
mysteries of thy body and blood, that we may 
continually perceive in our souls the fruit of thy 
redemption ; who with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, world 
without end. Amen. 

At Compline. 

V. MAN hath eaten the bread of Angels ; and 
the table of our Lord is prepared for him. 
R. Amen. 

V. CONVERT us, O Lord our Saviour. 
R. And avert thy anger from us. 
V. O God, incline unto my aid. 
R. O Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, &c. 

TJie Hymn. 
TO Father and the Son let's bring 

Triumphant praises ; let's aspire 
Their honour, power and bliss to sing 

While benedictions fill the choir. 
To him that is from both denv'd, 
Let equal glory be ascrib'd. 

Ant. O how sweet, O Lord, he. 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 331 

V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light. 

The Prayer. 
O GOD, who in this wonderful sacrament, &c. 

The Commendation. 

JESUS, redeemer of us all, 

To thee devoutly I present, 

These pious hours canonical, 

In honour of the sacrament 

Of thy blest body ; grant that 1 

May live in heaven eternally. — Amen. 



The Litany of the Blessed Sacrament, 

LORD have mercy on us. 

Christ have mercy on us. 

Lord have mercy on us. 

O God the Father, creator of the world, have 
mercy on us. 

O God the Son, redeemer of mankind, have 
mercy on us. 

O God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 

O Holy Trinity, three persons in one God, 
have mercy on us. 

Jesus, God and man, in two natures one di- 
vine person, have mercy on us. 



332 LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

' Jesus, our wonderful God, who for us vouch- 
safest to subject thy almighty self to the power 
of man, and immediately descend upon our altars, 
when the priest pronounces the words of con- 
secration, have, &c. 

Jesus, our incomprehensible God, whose im- 
mensity the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain, 
and yet vouchsafest personally to reside in our 
churches, and dwell among us in a little taber- 
nacle, have, kc. 

Jesus, our sovereign king, on whose throne 
above, all the glorified spirits continually wait, 
and yet vouchsafest here in our most solemn 
processions to be accompanied by such mean 
attendants as we, have, Lc. 

Jesus, our heavenly physician, who dwellest 
in the place of immortal bliss, and yet disdain- 
est not to come in person to our houses of clay, 
visiting us on our beds of sickness, and giving 
us thyself to comfort our sorrows, have, &c. 

Jesus, our glorious God, who sittest at the 
right hand of the eternal Father, adored by in- 
numerable angels, and encompassed with the 
splendours of inaccessible light, have, &c. 

Jesus, our glorious God, who, condescending 
to the weakness of our nature, coverest all thy 
glories under the familiar forms of bread and 
wine, and permittest thyself to be seen, touch- 
ed and tasted by such inconsiderable wretches 
as we, have, &x. 

Jesus, our gracious God, who concealing the 
awful brightness of thy majesty, under those 
low and humble veils, sweetly invitest us to ap- 
proach thy person, and open our miseries before 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 333 

thy eyes, and deliver petitions into thy hands, 
have, &c. 

Jesus, our gracious God, who to communicate 
thy divine nature to us miserable sinners, hum- 
blest thyself to enter into our mouths, and de- 
scend into our breasts, and by an inconceivable 
union become one with us, have, &x. 

Jesus, the bread of life, that came down from 
Heaven, of which whosoever eats, shall live 
eternally, have, &c. 

Jesus, the heavenly manna, whose sweetness 
nourishes thy elect in the desert of this world, 
have, &c. 

Jesus, the food of angels, whose deliciousness 
replenishes our hearts with celestial joys, 
have, kc. 

Jesus, the Lamb without spot, who every day 
art sacrificed, yet always remainest alive, every 
day eaten, yet still continuest entire, have, &c. 

Jesus, the good shepherd, who fearest not to 
lay down thy life for thy sheep, nor sparest to 
feed them with thy own bod}', have, &c. 

Jesus, who in this high and venerable mys- 
tery, art thyself, both priest and sacrifice, 
have, &c. 

Jesus, who in this sacred memorial of thy 
death, hast abridged all thy wonders into an ac- 
cumulative miracle, have, &c. 

Jesus, who in this admirable sacrament hast 
contracted all thy blessings into one stupendous 
bounty, have, Lc. 

Jesus, who by the blessed fruit of the tree of 
life restored us again to immortality, have, &c. 

Jesus, who by sanctifying the most familiar 



334 LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

and necessary of thy creatures, to build us up 
into a pure desire of thee, teaching us the only 
right use of all the rest, have, &c. 

Jesus, who by becoming thyself the daily 
food of our souls in this life, preparest us to 
live on thee eternally in the next, have, &c. 

Jesus, who in this divine banquet of chari- 
ty, givest us possession of thy grace here, 
and a secure pledge of thy glory hereafter, 
have, &c. 

Have mercy, O Lord, and pardon our sins. 

Have mercy, O Lord, and hear our prayers. 

From presuming to fathom the omnipotence 
of God, by any discourse of human understand- 
ing, deliver us, O Lord. 

From presuming to interpret the great secrets 
of thy will, by the uncertain rule of our private 
opinions, deliver us, O Lord. 

From all distraction and irreverence in assist- 
ing at this awful sacrifice, deliver, fee. 

From neglecting to come to this ho]^ table, 
and from coming negligently, deliver, &c. 

From unworthy and unfruitful receiving this 
adorable sacrament, deliver, fee. 

From hardness of heart, and u gratitude for 
so unspeakable a blessing, deliver^ &o. 

By thy irresistible power which changes the 
course of nature as , 4 hou pleasest, deliver, &c. 

By thy unsearchable wisdom, which disposes 
all things in perfect order, deliver, -fee. 

By thy infinite goodness, which freely be- 
stows on us thyself in this incomprehensible 
mystery, deliver, &c. 

By thy blessed body broken for us on the 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 335 



cross, and really given us in the holy commu- 
nion, deliver, &c. 

By thy precious blood shed for us on the 
cross, and substantially present in the chalice of 
benediction, deliver us, O Lord ; we sincerely 
beseech thee to hear us. 

That we may always believe thy sacred word, 
and submit our reason to the decision of thy 
church, we beseech thee to hear us. 

That by this sacred oblation we may solemnly 
protest thy infinite perfections in thyself, and su- 
preme dominion over all things, we beseech, &c. 

That by this sacred oblation, we may humbly 
acknowledge our perpetual dependence on thee, 
and absolute subjection to the disposure of thy 
will, we beseech, &c. 

That we may eternally adore thy goodness, 
who having no need of us, hath contrived such 
wonderful endearing motives to make us love 
thee and be happy, we beseech, kc. 

That we may thankfully comply with thy 
gracious condescendence to be united to us, by 
a fervent desire of becoming one with thee, we 
beseech, &c. 

That still before we approach this royal ban- 
quet, we sincerely procure our reconcilement 
to thee, and be perfectly in charity with all the 
world, we beseech, &x. 

That in the instant of receiving thy sacred 
body, our souls may swell with reverence and 
love to attend and entertain so glorious a guest, 
we beseech, &c. 

That returning from this great and holy 
eucharist, we may recollect all our thoughts to 



336 LITANY THE JBLESSED SACRAMENT. 

praise and bless thee, and immediately apply our 
utmost endeavours to the real amendment of 
our lives, we beseech, &c. 

That by this heavenly preservative, our 
hearts may be healed of all their infirmities, 
and strengthened against all relapses, we be- 
seech, &c. 

That as by faith we -adore thee here under 
these sacred veils, we may hereafter see thee 
face to face, and in that blissful vision eternally 
rejoice, we beseech thee hear us. 

O Lamb of God who takest away the sins of 
the world, spare us, O Lord. 

O Lamb of God who takest away the sins of 
the world, hear us, O Lord. 

O Lamb of God who takest away the sins of 
the world, have mercy on us. 

The Antiphon. 

THE glorious King of heaven and earth, to 
show the riches of his bounty, has prepared a 
solemn and splendid feast, and by this gracious 
invitation, calls even the meanest of his subjects 
to sit down at his table: "Come to me all ye 
that labour and are opprest, and I will refresh 
you : for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood 
is drink indeed." 

V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. Allclujah. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and de- 
light- Allelujah. 

V, O Lord, hear our prayer. 

R. And let our supplications come unto thee 



MEDITATIONS, &C. 



337 



The Prayer. 
O GOD, who, in this wonderful sacrament, 
hast left us a perpetual memorial of thy passion ; 
grant us, we beseech thee, so to reverence the 
sacred mysteries of thy body and blood, that we 
may continually perceive in our souls, the fruit 
of thy redemption ; who with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest ever one 
God w r orld without end. Amen. 

MEDITATIONS. 

Of Judgment. 

CONSIDER that instantly, after death, thy 
soul is to be presented before the bar of God's 
judgment, according to that of the Apostle : 
" After death comes judgment." And again, 
"All of us must appear before the tribunal of 
Christ, that every one may give an account of 
his deeds, good or evil." Which particular 
judgment is no less to be feared, than the gen- 
eral doom at the end of the world ; because, as 
St. Augustin saith, "Such as God finds man in 
his last day, such doth he judge him in the 
world's last day." 

2. Consider the person of the Judge, even 
Christ both judge and witness, who knows all 
your crimes ; and therefore will award a most 
just and irrevocable sentence in thy cause : to 
wit, either "Come ye blessed," or "Go ye 
cursed." 

3. Consider the strictness of the account that 
then is to be required at your hands : to wit, not 
only of thy deeds, but of every idle word and 

* H 



338 MEDITATIONS, &C. 

most secret thought of thy heart ; and how the 
devils will be ready at hand, together with thy 
own conscience, not only to accuse thee, but to 
amplify and increase thy offences, and to exten- 
uate thy good deeds. 

4. Desire of God, that this judgment may be 
always before thy eyes, to the end thou mayest 
the more forbear to sin. 

Of the Blessed Sacrament. 
CONSIDER that so often as thou dost com- 
municate, thou art made the tabernacle of the 
blessed Trinity, surrounded with millions of 
angels, continually singing, Holy, holy, holy. 
Think then with what angelical purity thy soul 
ought to be prepared, fit for the entertainment 
of him, who hath said, "He that eateth my 
flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, 
and I in him." And on the contrary, "He that 
eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and 
drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning 
the body of the Lord." 

CONSIDERATION. 

Of the deformity of Mortal Sin. 

THE soul of a man, that is in the state of grace, 
is the temple of the Holy Ghost, gloriously be- 
set with many lights, wherein the Holy Ghost 
himself dwelleth. If he commit but one mortal 
sin, presently as with a whirlwind, those heaven- 
ly lights are put out ; and the room is filled with 
intolerable stench, darkness and smoke : the 
Holy Ghost with all his blessed spirits departing 



MEDITATIONS, &C. 



339 



thence, and the devils presently Hocking thither 
in troops, disturb and defile the same with all 
manner of uncleanness. 

The Circumstances and Application, as before. 

AN ACT OF HUMILITY. 

I CONFESS myself to be a most grievous 
sinner ; vea, the very sink of iniquity, who, (by 
reason of my manifold transgressions, wherewith 
I have, and daily do offend my glorious Creator) 
am no other than a loathsome carcase to be 
thrown out from the sight and society of men. 
Notwithstanding such is the patience and longa- 
nimity of my Lord God, as contrary to my de- 
merits, I am yet suffered to breathe, and vouch- 
safed to live (though unworthy the meanest) 
among his other creatures, being in comparison 
even of the very worst, but a stain and corrup- 
tion ; yea, a very counterfeit among the orient 
pearls. 

That my brethren, and others, with whom I 
live and converse, do better think of me, is by 
reason of their virtue, and my deep hypocrisy; 
their charity in judging the best of all, and my 
dissimulation, w r ho endeavour to conceal that 
from the eyes of men, which is known to my 
own conscience, and, alas ! too manifest in the 
sight of God; yea, such is the corruption of my 
heart, and so far am I from answering to the 
good motions of God's holy spirit, and from a 
due co-operation with his heavenly grace, as 
even my best actions, and those wherein I most 
labour to approve myself to him, I fear, taste too 



340 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

strongly of pride, self-love and hypocrisy ; of 
which were I once, by God's mercy, thorough- 
ly purified, then perhaps might I, even from my 
heart's desire (as I deserve) be contemned of 
all, and be accounted not humble, but (as I am 
in truth) most vile and contemptible. 



SHORT ACTS OF VIRTUE, 
Which may be leisurely and distinctly suggested to 
sick persons in time of danger : yet so as not to 
fatigue them with too much reading. 

0 MY God, I firmly believe whatever thy 
holy Catholic Church believes and teaches, and, 
with the assistance of thy divine grace, I will 
die in this belief. Increase, O Lord, and 
strengthen my faith. 

In thee, O Lord, I place my whole confidence. 
I hope to possess eternal life through thy infinite 
mercy, and the merits of my Saviour Christ 
Jesus. O let me not be confounded for ever. 
My God ! I love thee with my whole heart and 
soul, above all things, because thou art infinitely 
good, and worthy of all love. 

1 love my neighbour, nay, and even my ene- 
mies, for the love of thee. O my God! it 
grieves me to my soul for hav ing so ill served so 
good a master. O that my heart could break 
asunder with sorrow for having offended thee by 
the sins of my past life. O that I had never offend- 
ed so good a God ! O unhappy day that I neglected 
to love thee ! Too late, too late have I begun 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. oil 

to love thee ! 1 confess mine iniquities are many 
and grievous, but they cannot lessen my confi- 
dence in thy mercies, which are infinitely great 
er than my sins. 

I most humbly ask pardon for them. 1 detest 
them because they displease thee. O God, be 
merciful to me a sinner. O grant me a true and 
sincere contrition, and let not the enemy of my 
soul have any power over me, either now or at 
my last hour. 

Pardon me, O Jesus. Hear me, O Jesus. 
Save me, O Jesus. I renounce from this mo- 
ment, and for all eternity, the Devil and all his 
works. I abhor all his suggestions and tempta- 
tions. I will by no means give admittance, or 
consent to them. 

Grant me, O Lord, the most precious gift of 
final perseverance, that whenever my hour 
comes, 1 may die in thy grace. I beg pardon 
of all those whom I have any ways ofiended, 
and sincerely forgive all those who have any 
ways offended or injured me, or who wish me 
any kind of evil whatsoever. 

I recommend my soul to God my Creator, who 
made me out of nothing ; to Jesus Christ my 
Saviour, who redeemed me with his blood ; to 
the Holy Ghost, who sanctified me in the water 
of Baptism. 

Praise, honour, and glory be to thy name for 
ever, O my God, for all the graces and benefits 
which I have received from thy bounty during 
the whole course of my life. 

May thy providence be ever blessed and 
praised, for all the sufferings' I have endured. O, 
*H2 



342 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

receive them in satisfaction for my sins. I offer 
up to thee, O my crucified Redeemer, all that I 
now suffer, or may have yet to suffer, to be 
united to, and to be sanctified by thy passion. 

I am content to suffer here, in hopes that my 
momentary pains and sufferings will be soon 
changed into an eternity of happiness and com- 
fort. 

Let the flesh suffer and perish, so that the 
spirit be safe. Scourge and afflict my body, but 
spare my soul for all eternity. Here wound 
me, here burn me, here cut me asunder ; but 
spare me at my last hour. 

My whole confidence, either of living or dy- 
ing well, is grounded on the infinite meiits of 
my Redeemer's death and passion, and the blood 
he hath shed for my sins. 

Receive, O eternal Father, his precious 
merits in full satisfaction for all my offences. 
O let me never be separated from thee. 

Wound my heart with thy love, that it may 
relish nothing that is earthly. Take off my 
thoughts from this mortal life < that all my com- 
fort may be placed in thee alone. 

Dispose of my soul, that it may be prepared 
at thy call to go forth to meet thee, and become 
thy habitation for ever. 

To thee I resign my heart and bequeath my 
soul. O do not cast me off amongst the repro- 
bate, but make me fit to appear in thy sight. 

O happy hour! when shall I behold thee? O 
sweet Jesus ! when shall I appear before thy 
face ? when shall I be disengaged from this 
earthly habitation, that I may come to the en- 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 343 

joyment of thee ? when shall I be released from 
this prison, this miserable Babylon, this place 
of banishment, that I may bless thy name, and 
join with thy angels and saints in thy everlast- 
ing praise ? 

When shall I lay down this cumbrous weight 
of flesh, and be delivered from this body of 
death, which I have loved too well ? 

Thou hast in thy justice decreed that I should 
die. I most humbly submit to the sentence, 
and readily accept it in the spirit of penance, in 
order to honour thee by the sacrifice of my life, 
and to give a proof of my obedience to thy or- 
ders. 

I am content to die for thy glory, and to tes- 
tify that I love thee better than myself. 

I am content to die, that 1 may no longer of- 
fend thee, but that I may love thee, possess thee, 
praise thee, bless thee, and glorify thee for ever 
in Heaven. I am content to die, to expiate by 
my death and sufferings, all the sins which I 
have committed ever since I came into the 
world. 

I am ready and willing to be deprived of eve- 
ry thing I have loved upon earth. I renounce 
all the vanities of the world, and now willingly 
bid farewell to this vale of tears and miseries. 

Heaven is my happier home. Paradise is 
much more pleasant and agreeable, and death is 
the path that leads to it. 

O happy news of my departure ! I hope I 
shall soon hear the choirs of Angels sing forth 
the immortal praise of my God. To dwell one 
day in his holy palace, in the company of the 



344 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



blessed, is better than to be a thousand years in 
the tabernacles of sinners. 

Let slow death then hasten on, that dying I 
may be no longer exposed to the dangerous oc- 
casions of sins, but that I may see and enjoy 
thee, my God, in Paradise, and love thee eter- 
nally in the regions of bliss and immortality. 

O Heavenly Jerusalem! O beautiful city of 
God, my happy home ! When shall I arrive in 
thy sacred tabernacles ? 

Take courage, my soul. Thy hour approach- 
est. Eternity comes on. Thy miseries and 
sorrows will soon have an end. 

Thou art going to the nuptials of the Lamb. 
Thou art going to the Land of the Living. — Thou 
art going to a kingdom where the God of all 
glory displays his grandeur with the greatest 
magnificence. 

O welcome the approaching hour of death, 
which is to remove thee to a better life, and to 
translate thee from misery to felicity, from death 
to immortality. 

Jesus Christ was crucified and died for thee. 
Be ready then to die for him, that thou mayst 
enjoy him in the kingdom of Heaven, which he 
has promised to those who put their trust and 
confidence in him. (Here the assistants may 
show a Crucifix to the sick person.} Contemplate 
him expiring on the painful bed of the Cross, 
without any other pillow to support his head but 
a crown of thorns. Behold his merciful arms 
extended to embrace thee. See his sacred side 
laid open to grant thee admittance to his heart. 
See his blessed head laid down to give the kiss 



PREP AB.ATI O N FOR DEATH. 



315 



of Peace. See at how dear a rate he has pur- 
chased thy salvation. See what he suffered for 
thy sake. Embrace him with the most tendef 
affection, and with a firm confidence that thou 
wilt soon see him in Heaven, whom thou now 
beholdest fastened on a Cross. Yes, my divine 
Redeemer, 1 embrace thee with all the affec- 
tions of my soul. I depend on thy merits, and 
take shelter in thy bleeding wounds. I trust 
thou wilt not suffer me to be for ever miserable, 
because thou art infinitely good and merciful. 
Since I have thy blood to plead in my behalf, 
why should I fear ? Why should I tremble at 
the thoughts of death, when I consider that thou 
hast satisfied for my sins, paid my debts, and 
laid down thy life for my salvation ? 

I am not afraid of Hell, though I have deserv- 
ed it ; because my dear Jesus has purchased 
Heaven for me. 

I hope in his mercy : and all the artifices of 
the infernal spirits shall never induce me to re- 
linquish my hope. 

In spite of them all, I will sing eternal praises 
to thee, O blessed Trinity— Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost ; I will adore thy mercies, and will 
possess and love thee for ever. 

I will now say, what, perhaps I shall not be 
able to say at my dying moments — " O Father 
of Mercies, and God of all consolation, into thy 
most merciful hands I recommend my soul, both 
for time and eternity." 

Now instead of then, when, perhaps, I may 
be deprived of the use of speech and reason, 1 
offer thee, O Lord, my heart, my life, my agony, 



345 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



my pains, my anguish, my distress, and my death, 
to be united to the bloody sweat and agony of my 
dear Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Now, as well as at the time of my departure, 
I renounce Satan, and declare my abhorrence of 
whatever evil thoughts he shall then suggest to 
me. 

O God of my heart, my portion and my in- 
heritance for ever ! I desire to love thee, as the 
Angels of Heaven love thee. O how good hast 
thou been to me, and how ungrateful have I 
been to thee ? I grieve from the bottom of my 
heart that I ever offended thee, who art infinite- 
ly amiable. Forgive me, dear Jesus ! forgive 
me, O Father of Mercies 1 

0 my God and my All ! my soul doth thirst 
after thee. When shall I come and appear be- 
fore thee, O thou Fountain of Mercy ! O who 
will deliver me from this body of death ! I de- 
sire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ ; for 
Christ is my life ; and to die will be my gain. 

How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord God 
of Hosts! I love the beauty of thy house, and 
the place of thy glorious abode. "The eye 
hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, nor hath 
it entered into the heart of man to conceive 
what excellent things God hath prepared for 
those who love him." 

What have I more to do with the world? 
And in Heaven, what can I desire but thee only, 
O Lord ? Now dost thou send away thy servant 
in peace. 

1 am weary of this life. I willingly take m\ 
leave of this world, and of all terrestrial objects. 



PREPARATION" FOR DEATH. 



347 



Nothing, O good Jesus! nothing more shall 
ever separate me from thee. 

O holy Mary, Mother of God, who didst as- 
sist at the death of thy beloved Son Jesus, ob- 
tain for me the grace of a happy death. — Glo- 
rious St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, 
intercede for me at the hour of my death that I 
may depart this world in the grace and favour 
of my Creator. 

O holy Angel Guardian, to whose care God in 
his mercy has committed me, stand by me at 
the dreadful hour ; protect me against all the 
powers of darkness ; defend me from all my 
enemies, and conduct my soul to the mansions 
of eternal repose. 

O all ye blessed Angels and Saints of God, as- 
sist me by your intercession, in this last and 
dreadful passage. 

O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of 
the world, be thou then to me a powerful Re- 
deemer and Advocate with the Father. 

Let those hands which were nailed to the 
Cross, plead in my behalf, and open to me the 
gates of Heaven. , 

Be thou a Jesus to me, and save my soul at 
that awful period. Hide me in thy wounds, and 
protect me under the shadow of thy wings. 

O good Shepherd of souls ! do not forsake 
me when all other things leave and abandon me, 
but conduct my soul into eternal rest. 

Suffer thy passion and death to stand betwixt 
my soul and thy justice ; and let these comfort- 
able words sound then in my ears, "This day 
shalt thou be with me in Paradise." 



348 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



O sweet Comforter of desolate and distresse 
souls, let me then experience the multitude o 
thy tender mercies, when my soul shall be i 
conflict with the pangs of death. 

Be mindful of thy poor creature, whom thou 
hast redeemed with thy precious blood. 

Remember thou hast bought my soul at a dear 
rate. O let not thy precious blood be lost on 
me, or spilt in vain. 

0 let not my soul perish, which cost thee so 
great a price. 

Thou hast promised that whoever shall in- 
voke thy name with faith and confidence, shall 
be saved : I invoke thy sacred name, O Jesus, 
with my whole heart, and with all possible res- 
pect and devotion : do not then suffer me to be 
lost for ever. 

Help me O God my Saviour : and for the 
glory of thy blessed name deliver me. Look 
with an eye of pity on this poor piece of clay, 
and succour me in my distress. 

1 beseech thee, by thy sufferings on the Cross, 
especially at that hour when thy blessed soul 
left thy sacred body, have mercy on my soul at 
the time of its departure from mine. 

Call me to thyself, and receive me into the 
number of thine elect, that I may praise thee 
without end. 

O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy 
on me. 

Give me thy blessing, O most loving Jesus, 
Lord Jesus receive my soul. 

Receive me, good Jesus, in thy mercy! re- 
ceive my soul in peace. 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



349 



Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost, &c. 

Post Hominem Vermis; post Vermem foetor et horror; 
Sic in non hominem vertitur omnis homo. 

A Prayer of St. Jerom in time of Agony. 

MERCIFUL Jesus, thou art my strength, my 
refuge, and my deliverer ; in thee have I be- 
lieved and hoped; thee have I loved. Call me 
now, I beseech thee, and I will answer. Stretch 
forth thy hand of mercy to the work of thy 
hands, and let me not perish, whom thou hast 
redeemed with thy blood. 

It is now time for dust to return to dust, and 
my spirit to thee who gavest it: Open then, Lord, 
the gate of life, and receive me ; receive me, 
most merciful Lord, according to the multitude 
of thy tender mercies, who receivedst the thief 
on the Cross, and now prepare my soul for hear- 
ing the same promise of mercy which he did. — 
I am sick, O Lord, and my life is withering 
away ; therefore I come to thee, my physician. 
Heal me then, my God, and I shall be healed : 
let me not be confounded ; because I put my 
trust in thee. In thee have I hoped ; let me 
not be cast of! for ever. 

But who am I, most merciful Lord, that I 
should speak thus boldly to thee ? I am a sin- 
ner, one grown up in sin, a rotten carcase, a 
vessel of corruption, and food of worms. But 
spare me still, my God; for what victory is 
there in overthrowing me, who am but as dust 
before the wind ? Forgive me all my sins, and 
deliver me from my distress. 

* I 



350 PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 

Arise and help me, Lord ; arise and let thy 
mercy plead for me. Let my prayer ascend 
before thee, and stretch forth thy hand to help 
me. For behold I am covered with sin, and 
have done evil in thy sight ; and there is none 
can heal me but thou, my God. If thou hadst 
not paid my ransom, by dying on the Cross, 
should not 1 have been for ever miserable ? Re- 
member then, O merciful Jesus, that I have a 
share in that price that was paid. It was for me 
also, though most unworthy, thy blood was shed ; 
let me, therefore, have a part in this mercy. 

I confess I have many times offended against 
thee, and therefore am not worthy to be called 
thy child : But turn away thy face, I beseech 
thee, from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 
Deal not with me according to what I deserve, 
nor chastise me according to my iniquities ; but 
help me, O God, my Saviour, and for the glory 
of thy name deliver me. Now at this hour show 
mercy to me, and whenever I depart, receive 
me into the number of thy family, that I may be 
one of those who are to praise thee for ever. 

Prayers to he recited by the Assistants zvhen a 
Dying Person loses the Use of Speech. 
LORD Jesus Christ! we beseech thee, by 
thy bitter agony and prayer in the garden, thai 
thou wouldst be pleased to be an advocate with 
thy eternal Father, in behalf of this thy servant : 
Lay before him all those drops of blood which 
in thy anguish of spirit flowed from thy body, 
and offer them for the remission of all his (her) 
sins ; that, in this hour of extremity, he ( she) 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 351 



may be discharged from that hand-writing of 
sin which stands against him (her ) and from that 
punishment which he ( she ) fears to be too just- 
ly due to his (her ) sins. " Our Father." " Hail 
Mary." 

LORD Jesus Christ! who for our salvation 
wast pleased to suffer death on the cross, we be- 
seech thee to offer up all the anguish and pains 
thou didst then endure, and most especially at 
the hour of thy death, in behalf of this thy ser- 
vant, that they may be accepted in his (her) fa- 
vour, for the good of his (her ) soul, for the ob- 
taining of a happy hour, and for the release from 
that punishment which he ( she ) has deserved 
for his (her) sins. "Our Father." "Hail 
Mary." 

LORD Jesus Christ ! who hadst such a bound- 
less love for man as induced thee to become man 
for our salvation, we beseech thee to let this 
thy infinite charity and goodness towards man- 
kind so plead with thy eternal Father in behalf 
of this thy poor servant, that, by thy powerful 
mediation, his (her) soul, at the moment of its 
departure from the body, being freed from the 
bonds of sin, may find a free admittance through 
the gate that leads to the mansions of eternal 
bliss. " Our Father." « Hail Mary." 

LOPcD Jesus Christ! who by thy precious 
blood hast redeemed us, we beseech thee to 
imprint deep in the soul of this thy servant the 
memory of thy most sacred wounds, that having 
them perpetually in his (her) sight, he (she) 
may be encouraged to suffer with patience and 
resolution, and be armed against all the pangs of 



352 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH. 



death. Thus let him ( her ) cheerfully submit 
to all the difficulties of his (her J condition, and 
begin, even here, to be united to thee with a 
love that shall never end. 

Grant him flier ) now to partake of the fruit 
of thy holy incarnation, of thy bitter passion, 
of thy glorious resurrection, and admirable as- 
cension. 

Grant that he (she) may be sensible of the 
effects of thy holy mysteries and Sacraments, 
and of all the prayers which are offered to thee 
by the whole Church. 

Remember, O Lord, that thou wast once in 
the straits of death ; that in this extremity, af- 
ter crying out to thy eternal Father, and com- 
mending thy spirit to him, thou didst expire. 
Behold now, this thy servant in his (her) an- 
guish crying aloud to thee : stand thou by him 
(her, J defend and comfort him (her J in this his 
(her J distress, and receive his (her J soul into 
thy merciful embraces. 

Remember, O Jesus, that thy arms were 
stretched forth, thy side opened, and thy sacred 
head bowed down from the cross ; have regard 
now, we beseech thee, to the soul of this thy 
servant, which departing out of this world, 
seeks refuge in thee ; receive it into thy arms, 
clasp it to thy breast, and there let it hide it- 
self, secure from the attacks of all its enemies, 
till the anger of God pass over. Into thy hands 
we commend his (her ) spirit, which has been 
created and redeemed by thee ; despise not, we 
beseech thee, the work of thy hands. 

O CHRIST JESUS, who wast crucified for 



PREPARATION FOR DEATH- 



35"3 



our redemption, we beseech thee, by that love 
which brought thee from heaven, to have com- 
passion on the soul of this thy servant ; forgive 
him (her ) all his (her ) sins, and by the merits 
of thy bitter passion satisfy for all his (her ) fail- 
ings, and supply his (her ) defects ; let him (her) 
now experience the multitude of thy tender 
mercies, and be sensible how good thou, O Lord, 
art. Dispose now his (her ) soul by thy grace, 
that she may be prepared at thy call to go forth 
to meet thee her heavenly bridegroom. Grant 
him (her) we beseech thee, true patience and 
perfect resignation in his (her) pains and an- 
guish. Give him (her) full discharge from all 
his (her ) sins ; confirm his (her ) faith ; strength- 
en his (her) hope, and perfect his (her ) charity, 
that, departing hence, his (her) soul may be re- 
ceived into thy mercy. O dear Redeemer, by 
that distress which thou didst suffer on the cross, 
when thou criedst out to thy eternal Father, we 
pray thee to shew mercy on this thy servant, in 
his (her) extremity : hear the sighs and desires 
of his (her') heart : and since he (she) now is 
deprived of the faculty of speech, speak thou 
for him (her) we beseech thee, who art the 
eternal Word, and to whom the Father will re- 
fuse nothing. 

By thy victory over death, and the infinite 
merits of thy passion, we beseech thee, on be- 
half of this thy servant, to have no other 
thoughts but of peace, of mercy, and comfort, 
and not of affliction Bear him (her) up against 
all distrust and despair, deliver him (her) from 
his (her) necessities, and be his (her} comforter 
* 12 



354 A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING. 

in his (her) distress. Let those hands which 
were once nailed to the Cross, now plead for 
him (/ier,) and obtaining his (Iter) pardon, con- 
duct him (Jier) into thy eternal rest. — Amen. 



A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 

Upon the recovery of a Person from the Bed oj 
Sickness. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, I here ac- 
knowledge thy blessing in the recovery of my 
health, and return thee my most hearty thanks 
for it. I beg thy grace for the making a better 
use of it than hitherto I have done • that I may 
correct all the errors of my past life, that I may 
improve in virtue, be an example to others, and 
sanctify that health to thee which is now thy spe- 
cial gift; that thus living to thee, I may be ever 
prepared for my last hour: Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul ; may he be prais- 
ed and glorified for ever. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all 
his benefits. 

Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers : Let 
praise and glory be given to him for ever. 

I will praise thee, O my God, while I live: 
I will glorify thy holy name while I have my 
being 

O magnify the Lord with me, all ye holy 
Angels • praise him, all ye Saints. 



RECOMMENDATION OF A SOUL DEPARTING. 355 



I will bless the Lord at all times : his praise 
shall be ever in nry mouth. 

Give glory to the Lord, for he is good, for his 
mercy endureth for ever. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from hence- 
forth, now and for ever. 

From the rising of the sun unto the going 
down of the same, the name of the Lord is wor- 
thy of praise. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 



RECOMMENDATION OF A SOUL DEPARTING. 

LORD have mercy upon us. 
Christ have mercy upon us. 
Lord have mercy upon us. 
Holy Mary, 

All ye holy Angels and Archangels, 
Holy Abel, 

All ye Choir of the Just, 
Holy Abraham, 
St. John Baptist, 
St. Joseph, 

All ye Patriarchs and Prophets, 
St. Peter, 
St. Paul, 
St. Andrew, 
St. John, 

All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, 
All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, 
All ye holy Innocents, 



356 



RECOMMENDATION OF 



St. Stephen, 
St. Laurence, 
All ye holy Martyrs, 
St. Sylvester, 
St. Gregory, 
St. Augustine, 

All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, 
St. Benedict, 
St. Francis, 

All ye holy Monks and Hermits, 
St. Mary Magdalene, 
St. Lucy, 

All ye holy Virgins and Widows, 
All ye Saints of God, make intercession for him. 
(her.) 

Be merciful, spare him (her) 0 Lord. 
Be merciful, deliver him (her) O Lord. 
Be merciful, receive him (her) O Lord. 
From thy Anger, 
From the danger of Death, 
From an ill End, 
From the pains of Hell, 
From all Evil, 

From the Power of the Devil, 
Through thy Nativity, 
Through thy Cross and Passion, 
Through thy Death and Burial, 
Through thy glorious Resurrection, 
Through thy Admirable Ascension, 
Through the Grace of the Holy Ghost the 

Comforter, 
fn the day of Judgment, 
We Sinners beseech thee to hear us. 



O 

o 



A SOUL DEPARTING. 



357 



That thou spare him (her,) We beseech thee to 
hear us. 

Lord have mercy upon us Christ have mercy 
upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. 

Let us Pray. 

DEPART then, O Christian soul, out of this 
miserable world, in the name of God the Father 
Almighty, who created thee ; in the name of 
Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who 
suffered for thee ; in the name of the Holy 
Ghost, who sanctified thee ; in the name of the 
Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominations, 
Cherubim, and Seraphim ; in the name of the 
Patriarchs and Prophets, of the holy Apostles 
and Evangelists, of the holy Martyrs and Con- 
fessors, of the holy Monks and Hermits, of the 
holy Virgins, and of all the Saints of God — let thy 
place be this day in peace, and thy abode in holy 
Sion : through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

GOD of clemency, God of goodness ! O God, 
who, according to the multitude of thy mercies, 
forgivest the sins of such as repent, and gra- 
ciously remittest the guilt of their past offences, 
mercifully regard this thy servant (N) and grant 
him (her) a full discharge from all his (her) sins, 
who most earnestly begs it of thee. Renew, O 
merciful Father, whatever is corrupt in him 
(her) through human frailty, or by the snares of 
the enemy ; make him (her) a true member of 
the Church, and let him (her) partake of the 
fruit of thy Redemption. Have compassion, O 
Lord, on his (her) sighs, have pity on his (her) 
tears, and admit him (her) to the Sacrament of 



358 



RECOMMENDATION OF 



thy reconciliation, who has no hope but in thee : 
Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

I recommend thee, clear brother ( sister ) to 
Almighty God, and commit thee to his mercy, 
whose creature thou art ; that having paid the 
common debt, by surrendering thy soul, thou 
mayst return to thy Maker, who formed thee 
out of the earth. May, therefore, the noble 
company of Angels meet thy soul at its departure. 
May the court of the Apostles receive thee. May 
the triumphant army of glorious Martyrs con- 
duct thee. May the crowd of joyful Confessors 
encompass thee. May the choir of blessed 
Virgins go before thee ; and may a happy rest 
be thy portion in the company of the Patriarchs. 
May Jesus Christ appear to thee with a mild 
and cheerful countenance, and give thee a place 
among those who are to be in his presence for 
ever. Mayst thou be a stranger to all who are 
condemned to darkness, chastised with flames, 
and punished with torments. May God com- 
mand thy wicked enemy with all his evil spirits, 
to depart from thee. May the infernal spirits 
tremble at thy approach, encompassed by Angels, 
and retire into the horrid confusion of eternal 
night. May thy God arise, and thy enemies be 
put to flight. May all who hate him fly before 
his face. Let them vanish like smoke ; or as 
wax before the fire, so let sinners perish in the 
sight of God. But as to the just, let them re- 
joice and be happy in his presence. May all the 
ministers of Hell be filled with confusion and 
shame, and let no evil spirit dare to stop thy 
course to Heaven. May Christ Jesus, who was 

I 



A SOUL DEPARTING. 



359 



crucified for thee, be thy deliverer. May he 
rteliver thee from death, who for thy sake vouch- 
safed to die. May Christ Jesus, the Son of the 
living God, place thee in his Garden of Paradise ; 
and may he, the true Shepherd, own thee for 
one of his flock. May he absolve thee irom all 
thy sins, and place thee at his right hand, in the 
inheritance of his elect. O may it be thy happy 
lot to behold thy Redeemer face to face ; to be 
ever in his presence ; in the beatific vision of 
that Eternal Truth, which is the Joy of the 
blessed. And thus placed among those happy 
spirits, mayst thou be for ever filled with hea- 
venly sweetness. Amen. 

RECEIVE thy servant, O Lord, into that 
place, where he (she) may hope for salvation 
from thy mercy, i?. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant from 
all dangers of Hell, and from all pain and tribu- 
lation. jR. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Enoch and Elias from the com- 
mon death of the world. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Noah in the flood. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Abraham from the midst of the 
Chaldeans. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Job from all his .afflictions, 
R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Isaac from being sacrificed by 
his father. R. Amen. 



360 



RECOMMENDATION OF A 



Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, \ 
thou deliveredst Lot from Sodom, and the flames 
of fire. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Moses from the hands of Pha- 
raoh King of Egypt. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Daniel from the lion's den. 
R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst the three children from the 
fiery furnace, and from the hands of that un- 
merciful King. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Susanna from her false accu- 
sers. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst David from the hands of Saul 
and Goliah. R. Amen. 

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as 
thou deliveredst Peter and Paul out of prison. 
R. Amen. 

And, as thou deliveredst that blessed virgin 
and martyr, St. Thecla, from most cruel tor- 
ments, so vouchsafe to deliver the soul of this 
thy servant, and bring it to the participation of 
thy heavenly joys. R. Amen. 

Let us Pray. 
WE commend to thee, O Lord, the soul of 
this thy servant ; and beseech thee, O Jesus 
Christ, Redeemer of the W orld, that as in tlrj 
mercy to him (her) thou becamest man, so now 
thou wouldst vouchsafe to admit him (her) into 



■ 



A SOUL DEPARTING. 



S61 



the number of the blessed. Remember, O Lord, 
lat he [she) is thy creature, not made by 
trange gods, but by thee, the only true and 
living God ; for there is no other God but thee, 
and none can work thy wonders. Let his (her) 
soul find comfort in thy sight, and remember 
not his Qier) former sins, nor any of those ex- 
cesses which he (she) has fallen into through the 
violence of passion and corruption. For al- 
though he (she) hath sinned, yet he (she) has 
still retained a true faith in thee, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost ; he (she) has had a zeal for thy 
honour, and faithfully adored thee his (her) God, 
and the Creator of all things. 

Remember not, O Lord, the sins or ignoran- 
ces of his (her) youth, but according to thy 
great mercy be mindful of him (her) in thy 
eternal glory. Let the heavens be opened to 
him (her) and the Angels rejoice with him (her.) 
May St. Michael, the Archangel, the chief of 
the heavenly host, conduct him (her.) May 
blessed Peter the Apostle, to whom were given 
the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, receive 
him (her.) May holy Paul, the Apostle and 
chosen vessel of election, assist him (her.) May 
St. John, the beloved Disciple, to whom were 
revealed the secrets of Heaven, intercede for 
him (her.) May all the holy Apostles to whom 
was given the power of binding and loosening, 
pray for him (her.) May all the chosen ser- 
vants and blessed martyrs of God, who in this 
world have suffered torments for the sake of 
Christ, intercede for him (her,) that, being de- 
livered from this body of corruption, he (she) 
* K 



S6£ PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED. 

may be admitted into the kingdom of Heaven : 
through the assistance and merits of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. 
Amen. 

Should the sick person still continue in distress, 
it may be proper for the assistants to continue on 
in Prayer, saying Psalms xxi. and cxviii. 



The soul being now departed, the following 
Responsory is said. 

COME to his (her) assistance, all you Saints 
of God : meet him (her) all you Angels of God ; 
receive his (her) soul, and present it now before 
its Lord. May Jesus Christ receive thee, and 
the Angels conduct thee to thy place of rest : 
may they receive thy soul, and present it now 
before its Lord. 

V. Eternal rest grant him (her,) O Lord. 

R. And let perpetual light shine unto him 
(lier.) 

May the Angels present him (her) now before 
the Lord. 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 
Our Father, &c 

V. And lead us not into temptation. 
R. But deliver us from evil. 
V. Eternal rest grant him (her,) O Lord. 
R. And let perpetual light shine unto him 
(Jier.) 



PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED. 363 

V. From the gates of Hell, 
R. Deliver his (her) soul, O Lord. 
V. May he (she) rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer ; 

R. And let my cry come unto thee. 

Let us Pray. 
UNTO thee. Lord, we recommend the soul 
of thy servant (N :) that being dead to this 
world, he (she) may live to thee ; And whatever 
sins he (she) has committed through human frail- 
ty, we beseech thee, in thy goodness, mercifully 
to pardon : Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then, for a conclusion, may be added the following 
Prayer, which may be also said at the Burial, 
for the Assistants. 

GRANT, O Lord, that while we here la- 
ment the departure of thy servant, we may ever 
remember, that we are most certainly to follow 
him (her.) Give us grace to prepare for that 
last hour by a good life, that we may not be sur- 
prised by sudden death, but be ever watching 
when thou shalt call, that so with the Spouse we 
may enter into eternal glory : Through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A Prayer for all that are buried in a Church, or 
Church Yard. 
O GOD, by whose mercy the souls of all the 
faithful find rest, grant to all thy servants, here 
or elsewhere, that have slept in Christ, the full 



S64 



PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED. 



remission of all their sins ; that being acquitted, 
as well from the guilt as the temporal punish- 
ment due to them, they may be speedily admit- 
ted into thy heavenly kingdom, and there re- 
joice with thee for all eternity : Through, &c. 
Amen. 

A Prayer for all the Faithful departed. 

PSALM CXxix. 

OUT of the depths I have cried to thee, 0 
Lord : Lord hear my voice. 

Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my 
supplication. 

If thou, O Lord, wilt observe iniquities, Lord, 
who shall stand it ? 

For with thee there is merciful forgiveness ; 
and by reason of thy law I have waited for 
thee, O Lord. 

My soul hath relied on his word : my soul 
hath hoped in the Lord. 

From the morning watch even until night, 
let Israel hope in the Lord. 

Because with the Lord there is mercy, and 
with him plentiful redemption. 

And he shall redeem Israel from all its ini- 
quities. 

V. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord. 
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. 
V. May they rest in peace. 
R. Amen. 

Let us Pray. 
O GOD, the Creator and Redeemer of all the 
Faithful, grant to the souls of tlry servants de- 



A PRAYER FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN. S65 

parted, the remission of all their sins ; that 
through pious supplications they may obtain that 
pardon which they have always desired : who 
livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity 
of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. 
Amen. 

It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for 
the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. 2 
Mace. xii. 46. 

A Daily Prayer for a Pregnant Woman. 

O LORD God Almighty, Creator of Heaven 
and Earth, who hast made us out of nothing, and 
redeemed us by the precious blood of thine only 
Son, look down upon thy poor handmaid here 
prostrate before thee, humbly imploring thy 
mercy, and begging thy blessing for herself and 
her child, which thou hast given her to conceive. 
Preserve, I beseech thee, the work of thy 
hands, and defend both me and the tender fruit 
of my womb from all perils and evils : grant me, 
in due time, a happy delivery, and bring my 
child safe to the font of baptism, that it may be 
there happily dedicated to thee, to love and 
serve thee faithfully for ever. But, O my God, 
I have too much reason to fear lest my great 
and manifold sins should hinder thee from hear- 
ing my prayers, and draw down thy judgments 
upon me and mine, instead of thy mercies, which 
I sue for : and therefore I am sensible the first 
thing I ought to do is to repent, from the bottom 
of my heart, for all my offences, humbly confess 
* K 2 



S66 A PRAYER FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN. 

them, and continually cry to thee for mercy. I 
detest, then, all my sins with my whole heart, 
and desire to lay them all down here at thy feet, 
to be effaced and destroyed for ever, I re- 
nounce and abhor them with my whole soul, 
because they are infinitely odious to thee, and 
wish that I could expiate them with tears of 
blood. I humbly beg thy pardon for them, and 
am sorry from the bottom of my heart that I ever 
committed them. I here offer myself to make 
what satisfaction I am able for them ; and most 
willingly accept of whatever pains 1 may suffer 
in child-bearing, and offer them up to thee now 
beforehand for my sins ; firmly resolving, by 
thy grace, never wilfully to offend thee more. 
Behold here my poor heart, O Lord, and if it 
be not such as 1 here express, I desire at least 
it should be such : I desire it should be that 
contrite and humble heart which thou dost never 
despise. In this disposition of soul, and with a 
lively confidence in thy mercies, and in the 
merits of the death and passion of Jesus Christ 
thy Son, I renew the petition I made before, and 
once more I beg of thee, for myself, thy grace, 
protection, and a happy delivery ; and for my 
child, that thou wouldst be pleased to preserve 
it for baptism, sanctify it for thyself, and make 
it thine for ever : Through the same Jesus 
Christ thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 



I 



( 367 ) 



A Universal Prayer jor all Things necessary to 
Salvation. 

0 MY God, I believe in thee ; do thou 
strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in thee ; 
do thou secure them. I love thee with my 
whole heart ; teach me to love thee daily more 
and more. I am sorcy that I have offended thee ; 
do thou increase my sorrow. 

1 adore thee as my first beginning. I aspire 
after thee as my last end. I give thee thanks as 
my constant benefactor. I call upon thee as my 
sovereign protector. 

Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by thy 
wisdom, to restrain me by thy justice, to comfort 
me by thy mercy, to defend me by thy power. 

To thee I desire to consecrate all my 
thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings ; that 
henceforward I may think of thee, speak of 
thee, willingly refer all my actions to thy great- 
er glory, and suffer willingly whatever thou 
shalt appoint. 

Lord. 1 desire that in all things thy will may 
be done, because it is thy will, and in the manner 
thou wiliest. 

I beg of thee to enlighten my understanding, 
to inflame my will, to purify my body, and to 
sanctify my soul. 

Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my 
offences, to overcome my temptations, to sub- 
due my passions, and to acquire the virtues 
proper for my state. 

Fill my heart with a tender affection for thy 



I 



368 



A UNIVERSAL PRAYER.. 



goodness, a hatred for my faults, a love for my 
neighbour, and contempt for the world. 

Let me always remember to be submissive to 
my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, 
faithful to my friends, and charitable to my ene- 
mies. 

Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortifi- 
cation, avarice by alms-deeds, anger by meek- 
ness, and tepidity by devotion. 

O my God, make me prudent in my undertak- 
ings, courageous in dangers, patient in afflictions, 
and humble in prosperity. 

Grant that I may ever be attentive at my 
prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my 
employments, and constant m my resolutions. 

Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, 
my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, 
and my comportment regular. 

Assist me, that I may continually labour to 
overcome nature, to correspond with thy grace, 
to keep thy commandments, and to work out ray 
salvation. 

Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness 
of this world, the greatness of Heaven, the 
shortness of time, and the length of eternity. 

Grant that I may prepare for dsath; that 1 
may fear thy judgments ; that I may escape hell; 
and, in the end, obtain Heaven, through the 
merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



( 369 ) 



THE THIRTY DAYS PRAYER 

TO THE B. V. MARY. 

In honour of the Sacred Passion of our Lord Jesus 
Christ ; 

By the devout recital of which, for the above space of 
time, we may mercifully hope to obtain our lawful re- 
quest. \lT It is particularly recommended as a proper 
devotion for every day in Lent, and all the Fridays 
throughout the Year. 

EVER glorious and blessed Mary, Queen of 
Virgins, Mother of Mercy, hope and comfort of 
dejected and desolate souls, through that sword 
of sorrow which pierced thy tender heart whilst 
thine only Son Christ Jesus our Lord suffered 
death and ignominy on the cross ; through that 
filial tenderness, and pure love he had for thee, 
grieving in thy grief, whilst from his cross he 
recommended thee to the care and protection of 
his beloved Disciple, St. John, take pity I be- 
seech thee on my poverty and necessities ; have 
compassion on my anxieties and cares ; assist and 
comfort me, in all my infirmities and miseries, 
of what kind soever. Thou art the Mother of 
Mercies, the sweet Congolatrix and only refuge 
of the needy and the orphan, of the desolate 
and the afflicted. Cast, therefore, an eye of 
pity on a miserable and forlorn Child of Eve, 
and hear my prayer : for, since in just punish- 
ment of my sins, I find myself encompassed by 
a multitude of evils, and oppressed with much an- 
guish of spirit, whither can 1 fly for more secure 



370 



THE THIRTY DAYS PRAYER. 



shelter, O amiable Mother of my Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, than under the wings of thy ma- 
ternal protection. Attend, therefore, I beseech 
thee, with an air of pity and compassion, to my 
humble and earnest request. I ask it, through 
the bowels of mercy of thy dear Son,; through 
that love and condescension wherewith he em- 
braced our nature ; when, in compliance with 
the divine will thou gavest thy consent, and 
whom, after the expiration of nine months, thou 
didst bring forth from the chaste enclosure of 
thy womb, to visit this world, and bless it with 
his presence. I ask it, through that anguish of 
mind wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Sa- 
viour, was overwhelmed on Mount Olivet, when 
he besought his eternal Father to remove from 
him, if possible, the bitter chalice of his future 
passion. I ask it through the three-fold repeti- 
tion of his prayer in the Garden, from whence af- 
terwards, with dolorous steps and mournful tears, 
thou didst accompany him to the doleful theatre 
of his death and sufferings. I ask it through 
the welts and sores of his virginal flesh, occa- 
sioned by the cords and whips wherewith he was 
bound and scourged, when stripped of his seam- 
less garment, for which his executioners after- 
wards cast lots. I ask it through the scoffs and 
ignominies by which he was insulted ; the false 
accusations and unjust sentence by which he 
was condemned to death, and which he bore 
with heavenly patience : I ask it through his 
bitter tears and bloody sweat : his silence and 
resignation : his sadness and grief of heart. I 
ask it, through the blood which trickled from 



THE THIRTY DAYS PRAYER. 



371 



his royal and sacred head when struck with his 
sceptre of a reed, and pierced with his crown of 
thorns. I ask it, through the excruciating tor- 
ments he suffered, when his hands and feet were 
fastened with gross nails to the tree of the cross. 
I ask it, through his vehement thirst and bitter 
portion of vinegar and gall. I ask it, through 
his dereliction on the cross, when he exclaim- 
ed, — 44 My God! My God! why hast thou for- 
saken me." I ask it, through his mercy ex- 
tended to the good thief, and through his re- 
commending his precious soul and spirits into 
the hands of his eternal Father before he ex- 
pired, saying, All is finished. I ask it, through 
the blood mixed with water, which issued from 
his sacred side when pierced with a lance, and 
whence, a flood of grace and mercy has flowed 
to us. I ask it, through his immaculate life, bit- 
ter passion, and ignominious death on the cross, 
at which, nature itself was thrown into convul- 
sions, by the bursting of rocks, rending of the 
veil of the Temple, the Earthquake, and dark- 
ness of the Sun and Moon, i ask it, through 
his descent into Hell, where he comforted the 
Saints of the old Law with his presence, and 
led Captivity Captive. I ask it, through his 
glorious victory over death, when he arose again 
to life on the third day, and through the joy 
vvhich his appearance for forty days after gave 
thee his blessed Mother, His Apostles and the 
rest of his disciples ; when in thine and their 
presence, he miraculously ascended into Hea- 
ven. I ask it, through the grace of the Holy 
Ghost infused into the hearts of the disciples, 



372 



THE THIRTY DAYS PRAYER. 



when he descended upon them in the form of 
fier}' tongues, and by which they were inspired 
with zeal in the conversion of the world, when 
they went to preach the Gospel. I ask it, 
through the awful appearance of thy Son, at the 
last dreadful day, when he shall come to judge 
the living and the dead, and the world by lire. 
I ask it, through the compassion he bore thee., 
in this life, and the ineffable joy thou didst feel 
at thine Assumption into Heaven, where thou 
art eternally absorbed in the sweet contempla- 
tion of his divine perfections. O glorious and 
ever blessed Virgin ! comfort the heart of thy 
suppliant, by obtaining for me.* And as I am 
persuaded my divine Saviour doth honour thee 
as his beloved Mother, to whom he can refuse 
nothing, so let me speedily experience the ef- 
ficacy of thy powerful intercession, according 
to the tenderness oj? thy maternal affection, and 
his filial loving heart, who mercifully granteth 
the requests, and complieth with the desires of 
those that love and fear him. Wherefore, O 
most blessed Virgin, besides the object of my 
present petition, and whatever else I may stand 
in need of, obtain for me also of thy dear Son, 
our Lord and our God, a lively faith, firm hope, 
perfect charity, true contrition of heart, un- 
feigned tears of compunction, sincere confes- 
sion, condign satisfaction, abstinence from sin, 
love of God and my neighbour, contempt of the 

* Here mention, or reflect on your lawful request, un- 
der the reservation of its being agreeable to the will of 
God, who sees whether it will contribute towards your 
spiritual good. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. ST5 

world, patience to suffer affronts and ignominies, 
nay even, if necessar^v an opprobrious death 
itself, for love of thy Son our Saviour Jesus 
Christ. Obtain likewise for me, O Sacred 
Mother of God! perseverance in good works, 
performance of good resolutions, mortification 
of self will, a pious conversation through life, 
and, at my last moments, strong and sincere re- 
pentance, accompanied by such a lively and at- 
tentive presence of mind, as may enable me to 
receive the last Sacrament of the Church 
worthily, and die in thy friendship and favour. 
Lastly obtain, I beseech thee, for the souls of 
my parents, brethren, relations, and benefactors, 
both living and dead, life everlasting. — Amen. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 

FOR 

CONFIRMATION. 

CONFIRMATION is a sacrament instituted 
by our Lord Jesus Christ, to enable us to ar- 
rive at the state of perfect Christians, and to 
strengthen the spiritual life of grace which we 
received at Baptism. It is called Confirmation 
from its effect, which is to confirm and fortify 
those who receive it, with the necessary dispo- 
itions, in the possession of the true faith, to arm 
hem against their spiritual enemies, and to com- 
plete and finish in them the sanctification which 
Baptism had begun.— In Baptism we receive the 



374 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 

character of the children of God : In Confirma- 
tion we receive the strength of men, and the 
character of the soldiers of Jesus Christ, says St. 
Melchiades. In Baptism we are enlisted under 
the standard of Christ crucified : In Confirma- 
tion we are armed with the shield of faith, and 
enabled to combat against the devil, the world, 
and the flesh. In Baptism we are regenerated, 
and receive the sanctifying grace of God for the 
remission of sins : In Confirmation we are pre- 
pared for a spiritual warfare, and receive the 
Holy Ghost for force and corroboration, that we 
may stand firm in the divine service for the sake 
of Christ, with a holy vigour of spirit and con- 
stancy of mind, amidst the terrors of the severest 
trials and persecutions. 

The effects of this sacrament appeared visibly 
not only in thousands of holy martyrs, but also 
in the apostles, who after they had been confirm- 
ed on Whitsunday, by the Holy Ghost coming 
down upon them, were immediately changed into 
new men, and were animated by this Divine Spi- 
rit to that degree, that sufferings for the sweet 
name of Jesus became the subject of their glory. 
— It is evident, from Acts 8 and 19, that the 
Apostles practised Confirmation, as a means to 
communicate the graces and gifts of the Holy 
Ghost to the faithful. It is of Confirmation, also, 
that St. Paul makes mention, Heb. vi. 1, 2, and 
2 Cor. i. 21, 22. where he expressly says : Now 
he who confirmeth lis zvith you in Christ, and hath 
anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed ws, 
and given us the earnest of the spirit in our 
hearts. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION, 375 

The testimonies of the most ancient writers 
plainly show, that the Church of God, from the 
Apostles' days, has always believed Confirma- 
tion to be a sacrament of the new law, and ad- 
ministered it as such. Among the rest, St. 
Clement, a contemporary of the Apostles, says, 
chap. 4. that he received this doctrine from 
blessed Peter and other Apostles ; and therefore 
he exhorts all, without delay, to hasten to be 
signed by the Bishop, that they may receive the 
seven-fold grace of the Holy Ghost, since he 
cannot be a perfect Christian who wilfully neg- 
lects this sacrament. Tertullian, St. Fabian, 
and St. Melchiades, who flourished in the second, 
third and fourth centuries ; St. Cyprian, St. Je- 
rome, St. Ambrose, &c. have handed down the 
same doctrine ; and St. Augustine, cont. lit. Petil. 
2. c. 104. says, in express terms, "The sacra- 
ment of chrism, in the kind of visible seals, is 
sacred and holy, even as baptism itself." More- 
over, it is plain, from the 8th chap, of the Acts 
of the Apostles, v. 14, that the visible sign of 
the imposition of hands has annexed to it an in- 
visible grace, viz. the imparting of the Holy 
Ghost. Consequently Confirmation is a sacia- 
ment, as it has all the things necessary to con- 
stitute a sacrament, and is a visible sign of an in- 
visible grace, &c. 

The ordinary minister of this sacrament, is a 
Bishop only ; and it was for this reason that St. 
Peter and St. John, who were both Bishops, 
were sent to confirm the Samaritans, who had 
been converted and baptized by Philip the Dea- 
con ; which is an additional proof that Confirma* 



376 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 

tion is a holy sacrament, and not a mere cere- 
mony, as Calvin pretends ; for were it only a 
ceremony that they had administered, why did 
not Philip, the Deacon, who baptised the Sa- 
maritans, use that ceremony! Where was the 
necessity of sending two bishops to Samaria> as 
the Apostles did ? Acts ch. 8. 

As water is made use of in Baptism, so chrism 
is used in Confirmation. Chrism is a sacred 
ointment, composed of Oil of Olives and Balsam 
( or Balm ) of Gilead, solemnly blessed by a 
Bishop on Holy Thursday. The unction, or 
outward anointing with Chrism, represents the 
inward anointing of the Soul with the gifts of the 
Holy Ghost ; as the outward ablution with 
water, in Baptism, denotes the inward washing 
of the Soul by the sanctifying grace of God. 
The oil, whose properties are to assuage our 
pains, to fortify the limbs, and to give a certain 
vigour to the body, represents the spiritual ef- 
fects of the grace of this sacrament in the soul ; 
and the balm, which is of a sweet smell, and 
whose property is to preserve bodies from pu- 
trefaction, represents the good odour or sweet 
savour of christian virtues, with which we are 
to edify our neighbours after having received 
this sacrament. The form of words used in 
conferring this sacrament are these : / sign thee 
with the sign of the cross, I confirm thee with the 
chrism of Salvation, in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Whilst 
the Bishop pronounces the form, he makes the 
sign of the cross, with the holy chrism, upon the 
forehead of each person that is to be confirmed, 



INSTRUCTIONS PGR CONFIRMATION. 377 

to give them to understand, that no worldly fear 
or shame is to deter them from confessing Christ 
crucified, but that they are openly to profess 
the doctrine and maxims of his gospel, and live 
as becomes members of his Church, in spite of 
the ill example and corrupt maxims of the world. 
Hence Tertullian says, 1. adv. Marc. "The 
flesh is anointed, that the soul may be conse- 
crated. The flesh is signed, that the soul 
may be fenced. The flesh, by the imposition 
of hands, is shadowed ; that the soul, by the 
Spirit, may be illuminated." — This is what the 
Bishop prays for, when turning himself towards 
those that are to be confirmed, with his hands 
joined before his breast, he says, May the Holy 
Ghost come down upon you, and the power of the 
Most High keep you from all si?is. — Amen. A 
little blow is given on the cheek to the persons 
confirmed, to imprint in their minds, that they 
are to be ready to bear witl\ meekness and pa- 
tience, all crosses, persecutions, trials, affronts, 
and injuries, for the sake and glory of their 
Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the same 
time the Bishop says, Peace be with thee, to sig- 
nify, that the true peace of God, which, as St. 
Paul says, exceeds all understanding, is chiefly 
to be found in patient suffering for God and his 
truths. Lastly, the Bishop prays for those who 
have been confirmed, that the Holy Ghost may 
ever dw T ell in their hearts, and make them tem- 
ples of his glory. After which he dismisses 
them with his blessing, &c. 

* L2 



I 



378 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION* 

Q. Can this sacrament of Confirmation be re- 
ceived more than orxe ? 

A. No. Because like Baptism, it imprints an 
indelible character or spiritual mark in the soul, 
which always remains. 

Q. Is there any spiritual kindred contracted 
m Confirmation ? 

A. Yes ; the Godfather or the Godmother 
contracts the same spiritual kindred as in the 
sacrament of Baptism. 

Q. Is Confirmation absolutely necessary to 
salvation ? 

A. It is not so necessary but that a person 
may be saved without it ; yet, when a favoura- 
ble opportunity offers for receiving it, it would 
be certainly a sin to neglect so powerful a help 
to salvation, and deprive ourselves of the bene- 
fit of this holy sacrament, which our blessed 
Redeemer was mercifully pleased, of his infinite 
goodness, to institute, as the never failing means 
in his Church to communicate his divine spirit 
to his followers. It would be still a more griev* 
ous crime to neglect Confirmation through con- 
tempt, disregard, or want of faith. It is to a 
wilful neglect of this sacrament that the holy 
Fathers attribute the downfall of several apos- 
tates from the true religion. 

Q. What kind of persons stand most in need 
of the grace of this sacrament ? 

A. Those who are the most exposed to temp- 
tations against faith, or to persecutions upon ac- 
count of their religion. 

Q. At what age may a person be confirmed ? 

A. Ordinary speaking, the Church does not 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 379 



give Confirmation to children before they are 
seven years old, but defers it till they come to 
the use of reason, and are sufficiently instruct- 
ed and prepared. Fathers and mothers should 
take care to have them carefully instructed in 
the christian doctrine, and regularly prepared 
to be presented to the Bishop for Confirmation, 
at the proper time, before they have received 
the Blessed Eucharist. If their children be 
lost, through ignorance, they shall answer for it 
to God. 

Q. What are the dispositions necessary for 
receiving the sacrament of Confirmation wor- 
thily ? 

A. A person must be free from the guilt of 
mortal sin, and in the state of grace, for the 
holy spirit of wisdom will not enter into a mali- 
cious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins. 
Wisd. i. 4. He must also be well instructed 
in the principles of the Christian faith accord- 
ing to his age and capacity, and have a proper 
sense of what he is doing. 

Q. In what manner then must a person pre- 
pare himself for Confirmation ? 

A. First he must examine his conscience dili- 
gently, and if he finds it charged with wilful sin, 
he must take care to purge it by a good sacra- 
mental confession ; for it would be a grievous 
sacrilege to presume to receive the sacrament 
of Confirmation knowingly in a state of mortal 
sin. Secondly, he must prepare himself some 
days before, by devout and humble prayer, fre- 
quently and fervently calling upon God to dis- 
pose his soui for receiving the Holy Ghost, who 



380 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 

communicates his gracious gifts and favours in 
proportion to the dispositions with which they 
are received. 

Q. As Confirmation is ordained for the sanc- 
tification of souls, why do not all who receive 
it, become Saints ? 

A. The fault is entirely their own. God, on 
his part is ready to bestow all the graces ne- 
cessary to enable them to become Saints ; but, 
alas ! how few are disposed to improve and co- 
operate with them as they might and ought? 
How few make the proper use of them ? How 
many on the contrary, resist them, like the stiff- 
necked Jews ? How many contristate and ex- 
tinguish the Divine Spirit, as the Apostle ex- 
presses it ? How many banish this heavenly 
guest from the temple of their souls by falling 
into mortal sin, and thus obstruct the operation 
of this holy sacrament ? 

Q. Is a person obliged to receive the sacra- 
ment of Confirmation fasting ? 

A. No. There is no strict obligation or pre- 
cept for it, though to fast on the eve and day of 
Confirmation is a laudable custom, and conform- 
able to the practice of the primitive church. 

Q. Why are the fervent exercises of piety 
and devotion required before Confirmation ? 

A. For two reasons, First, because our Sa- 
viour has assured us that his heavenly Father will 
give his good spirit to them that ask it. — Luke xi. 
13. Secondly, In imitation of the Apostles, 
who during the ten days between the Ascension 
of our Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost 
on Pentecost, retired from the noise and tumults 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 381 



of the world, and continued with one accord in 
prayer, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and 
with his brethren. — Acts i. 14. 

Q. Why are we to invoke the Holy Ghost in 
particular ? 

A. Not that we are to neglect praying to the 
Father and the Son also, as we know that all the 
three Persons are but one and the same God, 
bui because the work of our sanctification, the 
pouring down the grace of God into our souls, 
and all the heavenly favours and helps that are 
necessary for conducting us in the way of salva- 
tion, are the effects of the divine love, and are 
by a peculiar appropriation attributed in a spe- 
cial manner to the operation of the Holy Ghost, 
as he is the love of the Father and of the Son, 
and as it is from God's love that all grace, all 
virtue and sanctification flow and proceed. 



A PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRMATION. 
O GOD of infinite goodness and bounty, who 
hast been pleased at my baptism to make me a 
Christian, to sanctify my soul with thy grace, 
and to honour me with the glorious title of thy 
child ; which alas ! for my part, I have so 
wretchedly corresponded with, and have even 
forfeited a thousand times by my sins ; behold, 
notwithstanding all my ingratitude, and nry re- 
peated treasons, which thou hast so long and so 
patiently endured ; thou art still pleased not 
only to invite me to return to thee, and to offer 
cae to thy mercy, but also to call upon me at 



382 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 

this time, to come and present myself, in order 
to receive the greatest of all thy gifts, even 
thine own most Holy Spirit, to be consecrated 
to thee by his unction ; to be made a strong and 
perfect Christian, and a soldier of thy Son. O 
may all heaven and earth praise thee, bless 
thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thy mer- 
cies, goodness, and bounty to me! and now, 
dearest Lord, I desire to come, because such is 
thy will, and my duty, to receive this great Sa- 
crament of Confirmation ; that I may, like thy 
Apostles, be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and 
endowed with pozver from on high; and like 
them be changed, by divine grace, into another 
man, in such manner as henceforward to live up 
to the dignity, and to fulfil every part of the 
duty of a soldier of Christ; and to preserve and 
maintain, even to death, that purity and sanctity 
which becomes the temple of the living God. 
But, O my God, how far am I from being wor- 
thy to approach this heavenly Sacrament ! How 
can I expect that thy Holy Spirit should come 
into my inward house, to make it his temple, 
which has been so long possessed by unclean 
spirits ? Where are the dispositions in me, 
which the Apostles brought, and which all 
Christians ought to bring along with them, to the 
receiving the Holy Ghost ? Oh ! I acknowledge 
myself infinitely unworthy ; I confess and de- 
test, from the bottom of my heart, all my past 
uncleanness and abominations ; I humbly crave 
thy mercy and pardon, through Jesus Christ thy 
Son ; and beg, through him, that thou wilt be 
pleased to cleanse my soul from all its tilth with 



DEVOTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 



383 



Tiis precious blood, and to give me thy grace to 
come to this sacrament with that humility, faith, 
and devotion, which is most agreeable to thee. 
O Divine Spirit, do thou prepare my soul for 
thyself? Behold I come, desiring to give up my- 
self to thee for all time and eternity ; that 
thou mayest ever live and reign in my soul : and 
O let my whole soul henceforward be perpetu- 
ally subject to thee, and let nothing in me ever 
more rebel against thee ! Amen. 



Those who are preparing themselves for the 
Sacrament of Confirmation, may likewise 
breathe forth, from time to time, the following 
short Ejaculations. 

Come, Holy Ghost, who replenisheth the 
hearts of the faithful, descend into my Soul, and 
make it a place of thy abode. 

Come, O Divine Spirit, take full possession 
of my heart, and kindle in it the fire of thy 
Divine Love. 

Enter into my Soul and abide there for ever, 
to be my light, my guide, and my strength. 

Come, Holy Ghost, with all thy gifts, and fill 
my Soul, enlighten, direct and conduct me in all 
my ways. Strengthen me against all the assaults 
of self-love ; remove from me all vicious shame, 
and inspire me with a Christian courage. 

O grant, that I may make the Gospel the rule 
of my life. Preserve me from the corruption 
of sin, and from the pernicious maxims of the 
world. — Give me grace, O God, to do thy will 



384 



DEVOTIONS FOR CONFIRMATION. 



in all things. Enlighten my eyes, O Lord, that 
I may never sleep in death. 

O uncreated fire, when wilt thou consume 
whatever is imperfect in my Soul ! 

Inehriate my Soul with thy holy love, O thou 
sovereign beauty ! 

O may I never forget the obligations that are 
contracted by being enlisted a disciple of the 
Cross, in the sacrament of Confirmation. 

O grant that I may ever have before my eyes 
the duties thereunto annexed, and that I may live 
henceforth according to the spirit of a true and 
perfect Christian. 



Short ejaculations of this kind, frequently 
darted from a humble and fervent heart, pene- 
trate the clouds, pierce the paternal heart of the 
Father of Mercies, and draw down an ample 
benediction on those pious souls, to whom they 
become familiar by practice and habit ; this man- 
ner of prayer is highly commended by the Saints, 
and was one of the principal exercises, by which 
the ancient Solitaries arrived at the highest per- 
fection. It has this peculiar advantage, that it 
can be practised at all times, on all occasions, 
and in the midst of external employments, with- 
out being exposed to the danger of vain-glory ; 
as it is secretly performed in the closet of the 
heart. It is short and easy, does not distract or 
fatigue the mind, but keeps up the fervour of 
the spirit and attention to the Divine Presence. 



( 385 ) 



A PRAYER AFTER CONFIRMATION. 

O MY God, I now desire to adore thee, 
bless thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thou 
hast done for me, and for thy whole church, 
both of heaven and earth. I would now gladly 
join both my heart and voice, with all thy angels 
and saints in heaven, and with all that fear thee 
and love thee on earth, in giving perpetual 
praise to thee for thy infinite goodness ; and in 
particular for that love thou hast showed to me 
this day. I give thee thanks from the bottom 
of my heart, for having sent down the Holy Spi- 
rit into my soul, with all his gifts and graces. O 
let him now take full possession of my soul : let 
this heavenly unction penetrate into the very 
centre of my interior : let his divine wisdom 
ever preside there; may it ever enlighten me 
with his gift of understanding, and dispel all my 
darkness ; may it direct me with his counsel, 
strengthen me with his fortitude, instruct me 
with his knowledge, make me ever fervent in 
all good with his piety and goodness, and let his 
divine fear ever restrain me from all evil. And 
now, dear Lord, since thou hast been pleased, 
by this sacrament, to consecrate and sanctify my 
soul for thyself, and to make it thy temple, be 
pleased also to drive far from it, by thy grace, 
all that may violate or profane it, or render it 
any ways disagreeable in thy eyes. O keep it 
for ever for thyself, and restrain Satan from ever 
entering into it any more. O let it be a house 
f prayer, in which thou mayst be ever wor- 
* M 



386 



A PRA'/ER AFTER CONFIRMATION. 



shipped in spirit and in truth, and suffer it not to 
be made any more a den of thieves. Give me 
grace also to fulfil, with perfection, every 
branch of the duty of thy soldier , which glori- 
ous title thou hast conferred on me this day : arm 
me completely for the warfare in which I am 
happily engaged, and stand by me in all my 
conflicts, to crown me with victory. O make 
me faithful unto death, and bring me safe through 
all the dangers of my mortal pilgrimage to the 
crown of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



THE VESPERS, 



OR 



EVENING SONG FOR SUNDAYS, 



Our Father, &c. 

V, DEUS in adjutorium 
me urn intende. 

R. Domine, ad adjuvan- 
dum me festina. 

V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, 
et Spiritui Sancto. 

R. Sicut erat in princi- 
pio, et nunc, et semper, 
et in saecula sasculorum. 
Amen. Alleluia. Or, Laus 
tibi, Domine, Rex aeterns 
grloriae. 



Hail Mary, &c 

V. Incline unto my aid, 
O God. 

R. O Lord, make haste 
to help me. 

V. Glory be to the Fa- 
ther, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost. 

R. As it was in the be- 
ginning, is now and ever 
shall be, world without 
end, Amen, Alleluia. Or, 
Praise be to thee, O Lord, 
King of eternal glory. 



Psalm cix. 



DIXIT Dominus Domi- 
no meo : * sede a dextris 
meis ; 

Donee ponam inimicos 
tuos * scabellum pedum 
tuorum. 

Virgam virtutis tuse e- 
mittet Dominus ex Sion : 
*Dominare in medio inimi- 
corum tuorum. 



THE Lord said unto my 
Lord, sit thou on my right 
hand ; 

Until I make thy ene- 
mies the footstool of thy 
feet. 

The Lord will send forth 
the sceptre of thy power 
out of Sion: Be thou the 
ruler in the midst of thy 
enemies. 



383 



VESPERS FOR S(/IU>4YS. 



Tecum principium in die 
virtutis tuse in splendoribus 
sanctorum : * ex utero ante 
laciferum genui te. 



Juravit Dominus, et non 
pcenitebit enm : * tu es 
Sacerdos in aeternum, se- 
cundum ordinem Melchise- 
dech. 

Dominus a dextris tuis : 

* eonfregit in die irae suae 
reges. 

Judicabit in nationibus : 
implebit ruinas : * conquas- 
sabit capita in terra multo- 
rum. 

De torrente in via bibet; 

* propterea exaltabit ca- 
put. 



Gloria Patri, &c. 



With thee is the princi- 
pality in the day of thy 
strength, in the brightness 
of holy things : From the 
womb before the day-star 
I begot thee. 

The Lord hath sworn; 
and it shall not repent him: 
Thou art a priest for ever, 
according to the order of 
Melchisedech. 

The Lord at thy right 
hand hath broken kings in 
the day of his wrath. 

He shall judge among 
nations : he shall nil ruins : 
he shall crush the heads in 
the land of many. 

He shall drink of the 
torrent in the way ; There- 
fore he shall lift up his 
head. 

Glory be to the Father, &c. 



Psalm ex. 



CONFITEBOR tibi, 
Domine, in toto corde meo, 

* in consilio justorum et 
congregatione. 

Magna opera Domini : 

* exquisita in omnes vo- 
luntates ejus ; 

Confessio et magnificen- 
tia opus ejus ; * et justitia 
ej us manet in saeculum sse- 
culi. 

Memoriam fecit mirabi- 
lium suorum misericors et 
miserator Dominus : * es- 
cam dedit timentibus se. 



I WILL praise thee, O 
Lord, with my whole heart: 
In the counsel of the just, 
and in the congregation. 

The works of the Lord 
are great : Sought out ac- 
cording to all his wills. 

His work is worthy of 
praise and magnificence : 
and his justice remaineth 
for ever and ever. 

He hath made a remem- 
brance of his wonderful 
works, a merciful and com- 
passionate Lord. He hath 
given food to them that 
fear him. 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS?. 



389 



Memor erit in saeculum 
testamenti sui : * virtutem 
operum suorum annuncia- 
bit populo suo. 

Ut det illis haereditatem 
Gentium; * opera manuum 
ejus Veritas et judicium. 



Fidelia omnia mandata 
ejus ; confirmata in saecu- 
lum saeculi ; * facta in ver- 
itate et sequitate. 

Redemptionem misit po- 
pulo suo : * Mandavit in 
aeternum testamentum su- 
um. 

Sanctum et terribile no- 
men ejus : * initium sapi- 
ential timor Domini. 

Intellectus bonus omnibus 
facientibus eum : * Lauda- 
tio ejus manet in saeculum 
sseculi. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 



He will be mindful for 
ever of his covenant : he 
will show forth to his peo- 
ple the power of his works. 

That he may give them 
the inheritance of the Gen- 
tiles : The works of his 
hands are verity and judg- 
ment. 

Faithful are all his com- 
mandments, confirmed for 
ever and ever; made in 
truth and equity. 

He hath sent redemption 
to his people : He hath 
commanded his covenant 
for ever. 

Holy and terrible is his 
name. The fear of the 
Lord is the beginning of 
wisdom. 

A good understanding to 
all that do it : His praise 
remaineth for ever and 
ever. 

Glory, &c. 



BEATUS vir qui timet 
Dominum, in mandatis 
ejus volet nimis. 

Potens in terra erit se- 
men ejus : * Generatio rec- 
torum benedicetur. 

Gloria et divitia in domo 
ejus * etjustitia ejus ma- 
net m saeculum saeculi. 

Exortum est in tenebris 
lumen rectis : * misericors, 



cxi. 

BLESSED is the man 
that feareth the Lord, he 
shall delight exceedingly in 
his commandments. 

His seed shall be mighty 
upon earth. The genera- 
tion of the righteous shall 
be blessed. 

Glory and riches in his 
house : And his justice a- 
bideth for ever and ever. 

A light is risen in dark, 
ness to the righteous : He 
12 



390 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



et miserator, et justus. 

Jucundus homo qui mi- 
seretur et commodat, dis- 
ponet sermones suos in ju- 
dicio : * quia in aeternum 
non commovebitur. 

In memoria aeterna erit 
justus : * ab auditione mala 
non timebit. 

Parattim cor ejus sperare 
in Domino ; connrmatum 
est cor ejus ; * non commo- 
vebitur donee despiciat in- 
imicos suos. 

Dispersit, dedit pauper- 
ibus : justitia ejus manet in 
saeculum soeculi : cornu ejus 
exaltabitur in gloria. 

Peccator videbit, et iras- 
cetur : dentibus suis fremet 
et tabescet; * desiderium 
peccatorum peribit. 



Gloria Patri, &c. 



is merciful, and compas- 
sionate, and just. 

That man is acceptable 
that showeth mercy, and 
lendeth : he shall dispose 
his words in judgment: 
Because he shall not be 
moved for ever. 

The j ust shall be in eter- 
nal memory ; He shall not 
fear from the evil hearing". 

His heart is ready to hope 
in the Lord ; his heart is 
strengthened : He shall not 
be moved till he overlook 
his enemies. 

He has distributed, he 
has given to the poor : his 
justice remaineth for ever 
and ever : his horn shall be 
exalted in glory. 

The sinner shall see, and 
shall be angry : he shall 
gnash with his teeth and 
pine away : the desire of 
sinners shall perish. 

Glory, &c. 



Psalm cxii. 



LAUD ATE pueri D om- 
nium : * laudate nomen 
Domini. 

Sit nomen Domini bene- 
dictum, * ex hoc nunc et 
usque in saeculum. 

A solis ortu usque ad 
occasum, * laudabile no- 
men Domini. 

Excelsus super omnes 
gentes Dominus, * et super 
coelos gloria ejus. 



PRAISE ye the Lord, O 

children : praise ye the 
name of the Lord. 

Let the name of the Lord 
be blessed, from henceforth, 
now and for ever. 

From the rising of the 
sun, to the going down of 
the same, the name of the 
Lord is worthy of praise. 

The Lord is high above 
all nations ; and his glory 
above the heavens. 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



391 



Quis sicut Dominus De- 
us noster, qui in altis habi- 
tat, * et humilia respicit in 
ccelo et in terra? 

Suscitans a terra inopem, 
* et de stercore erigens 
pauperem : 

Ut collocet eum cum 
principibus, cum principi- 
bus populi sui. 

Qui habitare facit steril- 
em in dome-, * matrem fili- 
orum laetantem. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 



Who is the Lord our 
God, who dwelleth on 
high and beholdeth the 
low things in heaven and 
earth ? 

Raising up the needy 
from the earth and lifting 
up the poor from the dung : 

To place him with prin- 
ces, with the princes of his 
people. 

Who maketh the barren 
woman to dwell in a house, 
a joyful mother of children. 

Glory be to the Father, 
&c. 



Psalm cxiii. 



IN exitu Israel de M- 
gypto, * domus Jacob de 
populo barbaro : 

Facta est Judaea sanctifi- 
catio ejus, * Israel potestas 
ejus. 

Mare vidit, et fugit; Jor- 
danis conversus est retror- 
sum. 

Montes exultaverunt ut 
arietes : * et colles sicut ag- 
ni ovium. 

Quid est tibi, mare, quod 
fugisti? * et tu, Jordanis, 
quia conversus es retror- 
sum ? 

Montes exultastis sicut 
arietes, * et colles sicut ag- 
ni ovium? 

A facie Domini mota est 



WHEN Israel came out 
of Egypt, the house of Ja- 
cob from among a barba- 
rous people : 

Judea was made his 
sanctuary, Israel his do- 
minion. 

The sea saw, and fled 
away : Jordan was turned 
backward. 

The mountains skipped 
like rams, and the hills like 
the lambs of the flock. 

What aileth thee, O thou 
sea, that thou didst flee ? 
and thou, O' Jordan, that, 
thou turnedst backward? 

Ye mountains, that ye 
skipped like rams ? and ye 
little hills, like the lambs 
of the flock? 

The earth was moved at 



392 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



terra — * a facie Dei Ja- 
cob : 

Qui convertit petram in 
stagna aquarum, * et ru- 
pem in fontes aquarum. 

Non nobis, Domine, non 
nobis : * sed nomini luo da 
gloriam. 

Super misericordia tua, 
et veritate tua : * ne quan- 
do dicant gentes ; ubi est 
Deus eorum? 

Deus autem noster in 
coslo : * omnia, qusc unique 
voluit, fecit. 

Simulachra Gentium ar- 
gentum, et aurum, * opera 
manuum hominum. 

Os habent, et non lo- 
quentur: * oculos habent, 
et non videbnnt. 

Aures habent, et non au- 
dient ; * nares habent, et 
non odorabunt. 

Manus habent, et non 
palpabunt : pedes habent, 
et non ambulabunt : * non 
clamabunt in gutture suo. 

Similes illis fiant, qui fa- 
ciunt ea — * et omnes qui 
confidant in eis. 

Domus Israel speravit in 
Domino: * adjutor eorum 
et protector eorum est. 

Domus Aaron speravit 



the presence of the Lord — 
at the presence of the God 
of Jacob : 

Who turned the rock in- 
to pools of waters, and the 
stony hills into fountains of 
waters. 

Not to us, O Lord, not to 
us : but to thy name give 
glory. 

For thy mercy and for 
thy truth : lest at any time 
the Gentiles say : Where is 
their God ? 

But our God is in hea- 
ven : he hath done all 
things whatsoever he 
would. 

The idols of the Gen- 
tiles are silver and gold, the 
works of the hands of men. 

They have mouths and 
speak not ; they have eyes, 
and see not. 

They have ears, and hear 
not : they have noses, and 
smell not. 

They have hands, and 
feel not : they have feet, 
and shall not walk: nei- 
ther shall they cry out 
through their throats. 

Let those that make 
them, become like to them, 
and all such as put their 
trust in them. 

The house of Israel hath 
hoped in the Lord; he is 
their helper and their pro- 
tector. 

The house of Aaron hath 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



393 



in Domino : * adjutor 
eorum et protector eorum 
est. 

Qui timent Dominum, 
speraverunt in Domino : * 
adjutor eorum et protector 
eorum est. 

Dominus memor fuit nos- 
tri ; * et benedixit nobis. 

Benedixit domui Israel • 

* benedixit domui Aaron. 

Benedixit omnibus qui 
timent Dominum ; * pusil- 
lis cum majoribus. 

Adjiciat Dominus super 
vos — * super vos et super 
filios vestros. 

Benedicti vos a Domino, 

* qui fecit ccelum et ter- 
rain. 

Coelum coeli Domino : * 
terram autem dedit nliis 
hominum. 

Non mortui laudabunt 
te, Domine ; * neque ora- 
nes qui descendant in in- 
fernum. 

Sed nos qui vivimus be- 
nedicimus Domino — * ex 
hoc nunc et usque in ssecu- 
ium. 

Gloria Patri, Szc. 



hoped in the Lord : he is 
their helper and their pro- 
tector. 

They that fear the Lord, 
have hoped in the Lord: 
he is their helper and their 
protector. 

The Lord hath been 
mindful of us ; and hath 
blessed us. 

He hath blessed the 
house of Israel; he hath 
blessed the house of Aaron. 

He hath blessed all that 
fear the Lord; both little 
and great. 

May the Lord add bless- 
ings upon you ; upon you 
and upon your children. 

You are blessed of the 
Lord, who made heaven 
and earth. 

The heaven of heaven 
to the Lord : but the earth 
he hath given to the chil- 
dren of men. 

The dead shall not praise 
thee, O Lord, nor all they 
that go down to hell. 

But we that live, do bless 
the Lord, from this time, 
now and for ever. 

Glory, &c. 



The following Psalm is to be sung on sundry Festivals, 
in place of the foregoing. 

Psalm cxvi. 



LAUDATE Dominum O PRAISE the Lord, 



S94 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



omnes gentes : * laudate 
eum omnes populi. 

Quoniam confirmata est 
super nos misericordia ejus : 
* et Veritas Domini manet 
in asternum. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 

Capitulam, 2 Cor. i. 

BENEDICTUS Deus et 
Pater Domini nostri Jesu 
Christi, Pater misericordi- 
arum, et Deus totius conso- 
lationis, qui consolatur nos 
in omni tribulatione nostra. 

R. Deo gratias. 

THE 

LUCIS Creator optime, 

Lucemdierum proferens, 

Primordiis lucis novae, 

Mundi parans originem. 

Qui mane junctum ves- 
peri, 

Diem vocari praecipis ; 

Illabitur tetrum chaos : 

Audi preces cum fleti- 
bus, 

Ne mens gravata cri- 
mine, 

Vitae sit exul munere : 
Dum nil perenne cogitat, 



all ye nations : praise him 
all ye people. 

For his mercy is confirm- 
ed upon us ; and the truth 
of the Lord remaineth for 
ever. 

Glory, &c. 

Little Chap. 2 Cor. i. 

BLESSED be God and 
the Father of our Lord Je- 
sus Christ, the Father of 
mercies, and the God of all 
comfort, who comforts us in 
all our tribulations. 

R. Thanks be to God. 

HYMN. 

O GREAT Creator of 
the light, 

Who from the darksome 
womb of night, 

B rough t'st forth new 
light at nature's birth, 

To shine upon the face 
of the earth. 

Who by the morn and 
evening ray, 

Hast measur'd time, and 
call'd it day ; 

Vouchsafe to hear our 
pray'rs and tears, 

Whilst sable night in- 
volves the spheres, 

Lest our, frail mind with 
sin defil'd, 

From gift of life should 
be exil'd, 

Whilst on no heavenly 
thing she thinks, 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



395 



Seseque culpis illigat : 

Cosleste pulset ostium, 

Vitale tollat praemium : 

Vitemus omne noxium : 

Purgemus omne pessi- 
tnum. 

Praesta, Pater piissime, 

Patrique compar uniee, 

Cum Spiritu Paraclito 

Regnans per omne saecu- 
lum. Amen. 

V. Dirigatur, Domine 
oratio mea, 

R. Sicut incensum in 
conspectu tuo. 

The Magnificat, or the Canticle of the blessed Virgin. 
St. Luke i. 

MAGNIFICAT *anima 



But twines herself in sa« 
tan's links. 

O may she soar to hea- 
ven above, 

The happy seat of life 
and love : 

Mean time all sinful ac- 
tions shun, 

And purge the foul ones 
she hath done. 

This prayr most gra- 
cious Father, hear, 

Thy equal Son incline 
his ear ; 

Who with the Holy 
Ghost and thee 

Doth live and reign eter- 
nally. Amen. 

V. May my prayer, O 
Lord, be directed, 

R. As incense in thy 
sight. 



tnea Dominum. 

Et exultavit Spiritus me- 
us * in Deo Salutari meo. 

Quia respexit humilita- 
tem ancillae suae * ecce en- 
im ex hoc beatam me di- 
cent omnes generationes. 

Quia fecit mihi magna 
qui potens est, * et sanctum 
nomen ejus ; 

Et misericordia ejus a 
progenie in progenies * ti- 
mentibus cum. 

Fecit potentiam in bra- 



MY soul doth magnify 
the Lord. 

And my spirit hath re- 
joiced in God my Saviour. 

Because he hath regard- 
ed the humility of his hand- 
maid : for behold from 
henceforth all generations 
shall call me blessed. 

Because he that is mighty 
hath done great things to 
me : and holy is his name, 
And his mercy is from 
generation to generationi 
to them that fear him. 
He hatrl showed power 



596 VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 

chio suo * dispersit super- in his arm ; he hath scat- 
bos mente cordis sui. tered the proud in the con- 
ceit of their heart. 
Deposuit, potentes de He hath deposed the 
sede : * et exaltavit humi- mighty from their seat ; 
les. and hath exalted the hum- 
ble. 

Esurientes implevit bo- The hungry he hath fill- 
nis : * et divites dimisit ina- ed with good things ; and 
nes. the rich he hath sent emp- 

ty away. 

Suscepit Israel puerum He hath received Israel 
suum ; * recordatus miseri- his child ; being mindful 
cordiae suae. of his mercy. 

Sicut locutus est ad pa- As he spoke unto our 
tres nostros — * Abraham fathers ; to Abraham and 
et semini ejus in saecula. his seed for ever. 

Gloria Patri, &c. Glory, &c. 

The Prayer is the collect of the day ; which is different 
every Sunday. You may say this that follows • 

Let us Pray, 

LOOK down, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon this thy 
family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate 
to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to undergo 
the torment of the cross. Who liveth and reigneth with 
thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world with- 
out end. Amen, 

A Commemoration of the blessed Virgin Mary. 

ANTHEM. 

O Holy Mary, succour the miserable, help the faint- 
hearted, comfort the afflicted ; pray for the people ; in- 
tercede for the clergy ; make supplication for the devout 
female sex: Let all experience thy help, who celebrate 
thy holy commemoration. 

V, Pray for us, O holy mother of God ; 

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



397 



Let us Pray. 

GRANT, we beseech thee, O Lord God, that we thy 
servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body ; 
and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever 
Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrows, and come 
to eternal joys, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

A Commemoration of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 

ANTHEM. 

THE apostle Peter, and Paul the doctor of the Gen- 
tiles, were they that taught us thy law, O Lord. 

V. Thou shalt establish them rulers over the whole 
earth. 

R. They shall be mindful of thy name, O Lord. 
Let us Pray. 

O God, whose right hand raised up St. Peter walking 
on the waters, that he might not be drowned ; and deli- 
vered his fellow apostle Paul from the depth of the sea, 
when he was thrice shipwrecked ; mercifully hear us, 
and grant that by the merits of them both, we may ob- 
tain the glory of eternity. 

Here comes in a commemoration also of the Patron of 
the place, or titular saint of the church ; with a vroper 
anthem and prayer out of the office of the saint. 

For Peace. 

ANTHEM. 

GIVE peace, O Lord, in our days : For there is no 
other to fight for us but thou our God. 
V. Let peace be made in thy strength ; 
R. And plenty in thy towers. 

Let us Pray. 

O God, from whom proceed holy desires, right coun- 
sels, and just works : Give to us thy servants that peace 
which the world cannot give : that both our hearts may 
addicted to thy commandments ; and the fear of enc- 
ies being taken away, the times may be quiet by thy 
•otection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Szc. Jim€n. 
V. The Lord be with you. 

* N 



398 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



R. And with thy spirit. 
V. Let us bless the Lord. 
R. Thanks be to God. 

V. May the souls of the faithful through the mercy 

of God, rest in peace. 

R. Amen. Our Father, &c. 

Wlien Complin is not said immediately after Vespers, 
after the verse Fideiium animoe, &c. May the souls, Sec. 
and our Father, is said. 



V. Dominus 
suam pacem, 

R. Et vitam 
Amen. 



det nobis 



aeternam. 



V. Our Lord grant us 
his peace, 

R. And life everlasting. 
Amen. 



Then is said one of the following Anthems according 
to the time. 

The Anthem from the first Sunday of Advent, to the 
Purification, inclusive. 



ALMA Redemptoris ma- 
ter, quse per via coeli, 

Porta manes,, et stella 
maris, succurre cadenti, 

Surgere qui curat popu- 
lo ; tu qu* genuisti, 

Nat ura mirante, tuum 
sanctum genitorem, 

Virgo prius ac posterius : 
Gabrielis ab ore, 

Sumens illud Ave, pec- 
catorum miserere. 



MOTHER of Jesus, 
Heaven's open gate, 

Star of the sea, support 
the fallen state, 

Of mortals ; thou whose 
womb thy maker bore, 

And yet, strange thing, a 
virgin as before ; 

Who didst from Ga- 
briel's hail, this news re- 
ceive, 

Repenting sinners by thy 
prayers relieve. 



In Advent* 



V, Angel us Domini nun- 
tiavit Mariae. 

R. Et concepit de Spiri- 
tu Sancto. 

Or emus. 
G RATI AM tuam, quas- 
sumus, Domine, mentibus 



V. The angel of the 
Lord declared his message 
to Mary. 

R. And she conceived 
by the Holy Ghost. 

Let us Pray. 
POUR thy grace into out 
souls. O Lord we beseech 



VE3PERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



S99 



nostns in funde ; ut qui, an- 
gelo nuntiante, Christi Fi- 
lii tui mcarnationem co*- 
novimus, per passionem 
ejus et crucem ad resurrec- 
tionis gloriam perducamur. 
Per eundem Christum Do- 
minum nostrum. 



R. Amen, 



thee ; that we, who by the 
angel's message came to 
the knowledge of the in- 
carnation of Christ thy 
Son, may by his cross 
and passion, be brought to 
the glory of resurrection. 
Through the same Christ 
our Lord. 
R. Amen. 



After Advent. 



V. Post partum virgo in- 
violata permansisti. 

R. Dei genitrix, inter- 
cede pro nobis. 

Oremus. 

DEUS, qui salutis after- 
life beatae Marise virgini- 
tate foecunda humano ge- 
neri prsemia praestitisti : tri- 
bue, quaes umus, ut ipsam 
pro nobis intercedere, sen- 
tiamus, per quam merui- 
ni'n, Auctorem vitae susci- 
pere Dominum nostrum 
Jesum Christum filium 
tuum. 

R. Amen. 



V. After Child-birth, 
thou didst remain an invi- 
olate virgin. 

R. Mother of God, make 
intercession for us. 

Let. us Pray. 
O GOD, who by the 
fruitful virginity of the 
blessed virgin Mary, hast 
given to mankind the re- 
wards of eternal salvation ; 
grant, we beseech thee, 
that we may be sensible of 
the benefits of her inter- 
cession, by whom we have 
received the Author of life, 
our Lord Jesus Christ thy 
Son. 



R. Amen. 
From the Purification till Easter. 
AVE Regina coelorum ; HAIL Mary, queen of 



Ave, Domina angelorum; 

Salve, radix, salve, porta, 

Ex qua mundo lux est 
orta. 



heavenly spheres, 

Hail, whom the angeiic 
host reveres. 

Hail, fruitful root, hail, 
sacred gate, 

Whence the world's light 
derives its date. 



400 



VESPERS I OR SUNDAYS. 



Gaude, virgo gloriosa, 
Super omnes speciosa ; 
Vale, o valde decora. 

Et pro nobis Christum 
exora. 

V. Dignare me laudare 
te, virgo saerata. 

R. Da mihi virtutem 
contra hostes tuos. 

Or emus. 

CONCEDE, misericors 
Deus, fragilitati nostras 
presidium ; ut qui sanctae 
Dei genetricis memoriam 
agimus, intercessionis ejus 
auxilio a nostris iniquitati- 
bus resurgamus. Per eun- 
dem Christum Dominum 
nostrum. 

R. Amen. 

From Easter 

REG IN A coeli laetare, 
Alleluia ; 

Quia quern meruisti por- 
tare, Alleluia ; 
* Resurrexit, sicut dixit, 
Alleluia. 

Ora pro nobis Deum, Al- 
leluia. 

V. Gaude et laetare, Vir- 
go Maria, Alleluia. 

R. Quia surrexit Domi- 
nus vere, Alleluia. 

Oremus. 
DEUS, qui, per resur- 



O glorious maid, with 
beauty blest, 

May joys eternal fill thy 
breast ; 

Thus crown'd with beau- 
ty and with joy. 

Thy pray'rs with Christ 
for us employ. 

V. Vouchsafe, O sacred 
virgin, to accept of my 
praises. 

R. Give me power a- 
gainst thy enemies. 

Lei us Pray. 

GRANT us, O merciful 
God, strength against all 
our weakness ; that we, 
who celebrate the memory 
of the holy mother of God, 
may by the help of her in- 
tercession, rise again from 
our iniquities. Through 
the same Christ our Lord. 

R. Amen. 

Trinity Eve. 

O QUEEN of heaven, 
rejoice, Alleluia ; 

For he whom thou didst 
deserve to bear, Alleluia ; 

te risen again as he said, 
Alleluia. 

Pray for us to God, Al- 
leluia. 

V. Rejoice and be glad, 
O Virgin Mary, Alleluia. 

R. Because our Lord is 
truly risen, Alleluia. 

Let us Pray. 
O GOD, who, by the re- 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



401 



reetionem Filii tui Domini 
nostri Jesu Christi, mun- 
dum laetificare dignatus es, 
prassta quaesumus, ut per 
ej us geuitricem virginem 
Mariam perpetuus capia- 
mus gaudia vitae, Per enu- 
dem Christum Dominum 
nostrum. 
R. Amen. 

From Trinity Si 

SALVE, regina, mater 
misericordiae ! vita, dulce- 
do, et spes nostra, salve. 

Ad te clamamus, exules 
filii Ev?e. Ad te suspira- 
mus, gementes et flentes, in 
hac lacrymarum valle. 

Eia er°;o advocata nos- 
tra, illos tuos misericordes 
oculos ad nos converte. 

Et Jesum benedictum 
fructrum ventris tui nobis 
post hoc exilium ostende : 

O clemens, O pia, O dul- 
cis Virgo Maria. 

V. Ora pro nobis, Saneta 
Dei Genitrix ; 

R. Ut digni emciamur 
promissionibus Christi. 

Oremus. 
OMNIPOTENS sempi- 
terne Deus, qui gloriosoe 
Virginis Matris M arise cor- 
pus et animam, ut dignum 
Filii tui habitaculum effici 
* I 



surrection of thy Son, our 
Lord Jesus Christ, hath 
been pleased to fill the 
world with joy ; grant, we 
beseech thee, that by the 
virgin Mary, his mother, 
we may receive the joys of 
eternal life. Through the 
same Christ our Lord. 
R. Amen. 

tnday to Advent. 

HAIL, O Queen, O mo^ 
ther of mercy ! hail, our life, 
our comfort, and our hope. 

We, the banished chil- 
dren of Eve, cry out unto 
thee. To thee we send up 
our sighs, groaning and 
weeping in this vale of 
tears. 

Come, then, our advo- 
cate, and look upon us with 
those thy pitying eyes. 

And after this our banish- 
ment, show us Jesus, the 
blessed fruit of thy womb ; 

O merciful, O pious, O 
sweet Virgin Mary. 

V. Pray for us, O holy 
mother of God ; 

R. That we may be made 
worthy of the promises of 
Christ. 

Let us Pray. 
ALMIGHTY and eter- 
nal God, who by the co- 
operation of the Holy 
Ghost, didst prepare the 
body and soul of the glori- 

r 2 



402 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



mereretur, Spiritu Sancto 
cooperante, prseparasti ; da 
ut cujus commemoratione 
l&tamur ejus pia interces- 
sione ab instantibus malis, 
et morte perpetaa libere- 
mur. Per eundum Chris- 
tum Dominum nostrum. 



R. Amen. 

V. Divinum auxilium 
inaneat semper nobiscum. 

R. Amen. 



ous Virgin Mother, Mary, 
that she might become a 
worthy habitation for thy 
Son ; grant that as with joy 
we celebrate her memory, 
so by her pious intercession 
we may be delivered from 
present evils and eternal 
death. Through the same 
Christ our Lord. 
R. Amen. 

V. May the divine as- 
sistance always remain 
with us. 

R. Amen. 



THE BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

What we call the Benediction, is a devotion practised 
by the church, in order to give adoration, praise, and 
blessing, or Benediction, to God; for his infinite goodness 
and love, testified to us in the institution of the blessed sa- 
crament, and to receive, at the same time, the benediction, 
or blessing of our Lord, there present. 

When the blessed sacrament is taken out of the taberna- 
cle, and set up to be seen by the people, the choir sings, O 
salutaris hostia, &c. i. e. O saving victim, which openest 
the gates of heaven ; lo, the wars of our enemies press 
upon us : do thou give us strength and aid. To the 
great Lord, who is three in one, be everlasting glory. 
O, may he grant us life without end, in our heavenly 
country. 

After this is usually sung some psalm, or pious metre, 
according to the order of superiors, or discretion of the 
officiant, or exigence of the times. Then follows the 
hymn of the blessed sacrament, Range, Lingua, or at 
least the latter part of it, Tantum ergo. 

THE HYMN, PANGE LINGUA. 



PANGE lingua glori- SING, O my tongue a- 
osi, dore and praise, 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 
Corporis mysterium, 

Sanguinisque pretiosi, 

Quern inmundi pretium, 

Fructus ventris generosi, 

Rex effudit gentium. 

Nobis datus, nobis natus, 

Ex intacta vir°ine. 



406 



Et in mundo conversa- 
lus, 

Sparso verbi, semine ; 

Sui moras incolatus, 

Miro clausit ordine. 

In supremae nocte caenae, 

Recumbens cum fratri- 
bus, 

Observata lege plene, 

Cibis in legalibus, 

Cibum turbae duodenoe 

Se dat suis manibus. 

Verbum caro, panem ve- 
rum 

Verbum carnem efficit : 

Fitque sanguis Ohristi 
merum, 



The depth of God's mys- 
terious ways : 

How Christ, the world's 
great king bestow'd 

His flesh conceaFd in hu- 
man food, 

And left mankind the 
blood that paid. 

The ransom for the souls 
he made. 

Giv'n from above, and 
born for man, 

From virgin's womb his 
life began : 

He liv'd on earth, and 
preach'd to sow 

The seeds of heav'nly 
truth below ; 

Then seal'd his mission 
from above, 

With strange effects of 
pow'r and love. 

'Twas on that evening 
when the last, 

And most mysterious 
supper past ; 

When Christ with his 
disciples sat, 

To close the law with le- 
gal meat ; 

Then to the twelve him- 
self bestow'd. 

With his own hands to 
be their food. 

The word made flesh for 
love of man. 

By his word iurns bread 
to flesh again ; 

And wine to blood, un- 
seen by sense, 



404 VESPERS F( 

Et si sensus deficit ; 

Ad firmandum cor sin- 
cerum 

Sola fides sufficit. 

Tantum ergo Sacramen- 
ttim 

Veneremur, cernui : 

Et antiquum documen- 
tum 

Novo cedat ritui, 

Praestet fides supplemen- 
tum 

Sensuum defectui. 

Genitori, Genitoque 

Laus et jubilatio, 

Salus, honor, virtus quo- 
que 

Sit et benedictio : 
Procedenti ab utroque 

Compar sit Laudatio. 
Amen. 

V. Panem de coelo pra> 
stitisti eis, Alleluia ; 

R. Omne delectamen- 
tum in se habentem. Alle- 
luia. 

V. Ora pro nobis sancta 
Dei genetrix : 

R. Ut digni emciamur 
promissionibus Christi. 



R SUNDAYS. 

By virtue of omnipo- 
tence : 

And here the faithful 
rest secure, 

Whilst God can vouch, 
and faith insure. 

To this mysterious table 
now 

Our knees, our hearts, 
and sense we bow : 

Let ancient rights resign 
their place, 

To nobler elements of 
grace : 

And faith for all defects 
supply, 

While sense is lost in 
mystery. 

The God the Father 
born of none, 

To Christ, his co-eternal 
Son, 

And Holy Ghost whose 
equal rays 

From both proceed, one 
equal praise ; 

One honour, jubilee, and 
fame, 

For ever bless his glori- 
ous name. Amen. 

V. Thou hast given 
them bread from heaven, 
Alleluia. 

R. Replenished with all 
sweetness and delight. Al- 
leluia. 

V. Pray for us ; O holy 
mother of God, 

R. That we may be 
made worthy of the prom- 
ises of Christ. 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



405 



Let us Pray, 

O GOD, who hast left us in this wonderful sacrament 
a perpetual memorial of thy passion : Grant, we be- 
seech thee, so to reverence the sacred mysteries of thy 
body and blood, that we may continually find in our 
souls the fruit of thy redemption, who livest and reign- 
est, &c. 

Defend, we beseech thee, O Lord, by the intercession 
of blessed Mary, ever virgin, this thy family from all 
adversity ; and being prostrate before thee, with our 
whole hearts, protect us in thy mercy from the snares of 
our enemies, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

When the priest gives the benediction with the blessed 
sacrament, bow down, and profoundly adore your Saviour 
there present. Give him thanks for all his mercies ; offer 
your whole self to him, to be his for ever ; and earnestly 
beg his blessing upon you and yours, and upon his whole 
church. 

ON THE FESTIVALS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

The Psalms are, Dixit Dominus, page 135. Laudate 
pueri. page 138. 

Psalm cxxi. 



L.ETATUS sum in his 
quae dicta sunt mihi* in do- 
mum Domini ibimus. 

Stantes erant pedes nos- 
tri * in atriis tuis Jerusa- 
lem. 

Jerusalem, quaj sdinca- 
tur ut civitas : * cujus par- 
ticipate ejus in idipsum. 

IDuc enim ascend erunt 
tribus, tribus Domini, * tes- 
timonium Israel, ad confi- 
tendum nomeni Domini. 



I REJOICE in those 
things which were said to 
me : we shall go into the 
house of the Lord. 

Our feet were standing 
in thy courts, O Jerusa- 
lem. 

Jerusalem, which is built 
as a city : whose participa- 
tion is together in itself. 

For thither ascended the 
tribes, the tribes of the 
Lord, by a precept to Israel, 
to confess the name of the 
Lord. 



406 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



Quia illic sederunt sedes 
in judicio, * sedes super 
domain David, 

Rotate quae ad paceni 
sunt Jerusalem* et abun- 
dantia diligentibus te. 

Fiat pax in virtute tua : 
* et abundantia in turribus 
tuis. 

Propter fratres meos et 
proxinios meos, * loquebar 
pacem de te. 

Propter domum Domini 
Dei nostri, * quaesivi bona 
tibi. 



Because there the seats 
for judgment were estab- 
lished, the seats upon the 
house of David. 

Ask ye the things that 
are for the peace of Jeru- 
salem : and abundance to 
them that love thee. 

Let peace be made in 
thy strength : and abun- 
dance in thy towers. 

For the sake of my breth- 
ren and my neighbours, I 
have spoken peace of thee. 

For the sake of the house 
of the Lord our God, I have 
sought 2"ood things for thee. 



Psalm exxvi. 



NISI Dominus aedifica- 
verit domum, * in vanum 
laboraverunt qui aedificant 
earn. 

Nisi Dominus custodierit 
civitatem, * frustra vigilat 
qui custodit earn. 

Vanum est vobis ante 
lucem surgere : * surgite 
postquam sederitis, qui 
manducatis panem doloris. 

Cum dederit dilectis suis 
somnum : ecce hsereditas 
Domini, filii ; merces fruc- 
tus ventris. 

Sicut sagittae in manu po- 
tentis, * ita filii excusso- 
rum. 

Beatus vir qui implevit 
desiderium suum ex ipsis : 



UNLESS the Lord shall 
build the house, they have 
laboured in vain that build 
it. 

Unless the Lord shall 
guard the city, he watches 
in vain that guards it. 

It is vain for you to rise 
before light: rise after ye 
have rested, ye that eat the 
bread of sorrow. 

When he has given sleep 
to his beloved : behold the 
inheritance of the Lord are 
children ; his reward is the 
fruit of the womb. 

As arrows in the hands 
of a strong man, so are the 
children of them that are 
shaken. 

Blessed is the man that 
has filled his desire of them; 



VFSFERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



407 



non confundetur cum lo- he shall not be confounded 
quetur inimicis suis in por- when he shall speak to his 
ta. enemies in the gate. 

cxlvii. 

O Jerusalem, praise the 
Lord : praise thy God, O 
Sion. 

Because he hath strength- 
ened the locks of thy gates : 
he hath blessed thy chil- 
dren in thee. 

Who has placed peace in 
thy borders, and fills thee 
with the very best of 
wheat. 

Who sends forth his 
speech to the earth : his 
word runs swiftly. 

Who sends down snow 
like wool : scatters a mist 
like ashes : 

Sends his ice like mor- 
sels: before the face of his 
cold who shall abide ? 

He will say the word and 
melt them : his wind will 
blow, and waters shall run. 

Who declares his word 
to Jacob: his justice and 
judgments to Israel. 

He has not done in like 
manner to every nation : 
and his judgments he has 
not manifested to them. 



Psalm 

LAUDA, Jerusalem, 
Dominum : * lauda Deum 
iuum, Sion. 

Quoniam confortavit se- 
ras portarum tuarum: * 
benedixit filiis tuis in te. 

Qui posuit fines tuos pa- 
cem • * et adipe frumenti 
satiat te. 

Qui emittit eloquium su- 
um terras : * velociter cur- 
rit sermo ejus. 

Qui dat nivem sicut la- 
nam : nebulam sicut cine- 
rem spargit : 

Mittit crystallum suam 
sicut buccellas : * ante fa- 
ciem frigoris ejus quis sus- 
tinebit ? 

Emittet verbum suum et 
liquefaciet ea : flabit spiri- 
tus ejus et fluent aquse. 

Qui annuntiat verbum 
suum Jacob : * justitias et 
judicia sua Israel. 

Non fecit taliter omni 
nationi : * et judicia sua 
lion manifestavit eis. 



408 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



The Hymn, 

AVE maris stella, 
Dei mater alma, 
Atque semper Virgo, 
Felix coeli porta. 

Sumens illud Ave, 
Gabrielis ore, 
F unda nos in pace, 
Mutans Hevoe nomen. 

Solve vincla reis, 
Profer lumen caecis, 
Mala nostra pelle, 
Bona cuncta posce. 

Monstra te esse matrem 
Sumat per te preces, 
Qui pro nobis natus 
Tulit esse tuus. 

Vir^o singularis, 
Inter omnes mitis, 
Nos culpis solutos, 
Mites fac et castos. 

Vitam praesta puram, 
Iter para tutum, 
Ut videntes Jesum, 
Semper collaetemur. 

Sit iaus Deo Patri, 
Summo Christo decus, 
Spiritui Sancto, 
Tribus honor unus. Amen. 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



Tlie Hymn, 

BRIGHT Mother of our Maker, hail! 

Thou Virgin ever blest ; 
The ocean's star, by which we sail, 

And gain the port of rest, 

Whilst we this Ave thus to thee, 
From Gabriel's mouth rehearse ; 

Prevail that peace our lot may be, 
And Eva's name reverse. 

Release our long entangled mind, 

From all the snares of ill ; 
With heav'nly light instruct the blind, 

And all our vows fulfil. 

Exert for us a Mother's care, 

And us thy Children own ; 
Prevail with Him to hear our prayV, 

W^ho chose to be thy Son. 

O spotless maid ! whose virtue shine, 

With brightest purity ; 
Each action of our life refine, 

And make us pure like thee. 

Preserve our lives unstain'd from ill ; 

And guard us in our way ; 
That Christ one day our souls may fill 

With joys that ne'er decay. 

To God the Father, endless praise ; 

To God the Son, the same ; 
And, Holy Ghost, whose equal rays 

One equal glory claim. Amen. 

* O 



410 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



FESTIVALS OF APOSTLES. 

The Psalms are, Dixit Dominus, page 135. Laudato 
pueri, page 138. 

Psalm cxv. 

CREDIDI, propter quod locutus sum : * ego autem 
humiljatus sum nimis. 

Ego dixi in excessu meo, * Omnis homo mendax. 

Quid retribuam Domino, * pro omnibus qii3e retribuit 
mihi ? 

Calicem salutaris accipiam, * et nomen Domini invo- 
cabo. 

Vota mea Domino reddam coram omni populo ejus : 
* pretiosa in conspectu Domini mors sanctorum ejus. 

O Domine, quia ego servus tuus : ego servus tuus, et 
filius ancillae tiue. 

Dirupisti vincula mea : * tibi sacrificabo hostiam lau- 
dis, et nomen Domini invocabo. 

V r ota mea Domino reddam in conspectu omnis populi 
ejus : * in atriis domus Domini, in medio tui, Jerusalem. 

Psalm cxxv. 

IN convertendo Dominus captivitatem, Sion, * facti 
sumus sicut consolati. 

Tunc repletum estgaudio os nostrum, * et lingua nos- 
tra exultatione. 

Tunc dicent inter Gentes, * Magnificavit Dominus 
facere cum eis. 

Magnificavit Dominus facere nobiscum : * facti sumus 
la?tantes. 

Converte, Domine, captivitatem nostram, * sicut tcr- 
rens in austro. 

Qui seminant in lacrymis, * in exultatione metent. 

Euntes ibant et flebant, * mittentes semina sua. 

Venientes autem venient cum exultatione, * portantes 
manipulos suos. 

Psalm cxxxviii. 
DOMINE, probasti me et cognovisti me: * tu coguo- 
visti sessionem meam et resurrectionem meam. 

I 



VESPERS FOR. SUNDAYS. 



411 



Intellexisti cogitationes meas de longe : * semitam me* 
am et funiculum meum investigasti. 

Et omnes vias meas praevidisti : * qui non est sermo in 
lingua mea. 

Ecce, Domine, tu cognovisti omnia, novissima et anti- 
qua : * tu formasti me, et posuisti super me manum tuam. 

MirabiUs facta est scientia tua ex me: * confortata 
est, et non potero ad earn. 

Quo ibo a Spiritu tuo ? Et quo a facie tua fugiam ? 

Si ascendero in caelum, tu illic es : * si descendero in 
internum, ades. 

Si sumpsero pennas meas diluculo, * et habitavero in 
extremis maris. 

Etenim ill tic manus tua deducet me : * et tenebit me 
dextera tua. 

Et dixi, forsitan tenebrae conculcabunt me : * et nox 
illuminatio mea in deliciis meis. 

Qui tenebr:e non obscurabuntur a te, et nox sicut dies 
illuminabitur : * sicut tenebrae ejus, ita et lumen ejus. 

Quia tu possedisti renes meos : suscepi3ti me de utero 
matris meae. 

Confitebor tibi, quia terribiliter magnincatus es : * mi- 
rabilia opera tua, et anima mea cognoscit nimis. 

Non est occultatum os meum a te, quod fecisti in occul- 
ta : * et substantia mea in inferioribus terras. 

Imperfectum meum viderunt oculi tui, et in libro tuo 
omnes scribentur : * dies formabuntur et nemo in eis. 

Mihi autem nimis honorincati sunt amici tui Deus: * 
nimis confortatus est principatus eornm. 

Dinumerabo eos, et super arenam multiplicabuntur : 
» exsurrexi, et adhuc sum tecum. 

Si occideris, Deus, peccatores : * viri sanguinum de- 
cimate a me. 

Quia dicitis in cogitatione, * accipient in vanitate civi- 
tates tuas. 

Nonne qui oderunt te, Domine, oderam ; * et super 
inimicos tucs tabescebam ? 

Perfecto odio oderam illos : * et inimici facti sunt mihi. 

Proba me, Deus, et soito cor meum : * interroga me et 
cognosce semitas meas. 

Et. vide si via iniquitatis in me est . * deduc me in via 
aeterna . 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAVS. 



The Hymn, 

EXULTET orbis guudiia, 
Coelum resultet laudibus, 
Apostolorum gloriam 
Tellus et astra concinunt. 

Vos saeculorum judices, 
Et vera mundi lumina, 
Votis precamur eordium. 
Audite voces supplicum. 

Qui templa cocli clauditis, 
Serasque verbo solvitis, 
Nos a reatu noxios 
Solvi jubete, quaesumus. 

Praecepta quorum protinus 
Languor salusque sentiunt ; 
Sanate mentes languidas, 
Augete nos virtutibus. 

Ut, cum redibit arbiter 
In line Christus saeculi, 
Nos sempiterni gaudii 
Concedat esse compotes. 

Patri, simulque Filio, 
Tibique, sancte Spiritus, 
Sicut fuit sit jugitur 
Sseclum per omne gloria. Amen. 

For one Martyr. 

DEUS tuorum militum 
Sors, et corona, praemium, 
Laudes canentes Martyris 
Absolve nexu criminis. 

Hie nempe mundi gaudia 
Et bianda fraudum pabula 
Imbuta felle deputans 
Pervenit ad coelestia. 



VESPERS FOR, SUNDAYS. 



Poenas cucurrit lbrtiter, 
Et fustuiit viriliter ; 
Fundensque pro te sanguinem 
Sterna dona possidet. 

Ob hoc precatu supplied 
Te poscimus piissime ; 
In hoc triumpho Martyr is 
Diraitte noxam servulis. 

La us et perennis gloria 
Patri sit alque Filio, 
Sancto simul Paraclito, 
In sempiterna saecula. Amen, 

For several Martyrs- 

SANCTORUM meritis inclyta gaudia 
Pangamus, socii, gestaque fortia : 
Gliscens fert animus promere cantibus 
Victor urn genus optimum. 

Hi sunt quos fatue mundus abhorruit ; 
Hunc fructu vacuum, floribus aridum, 
Contempsere tut nominis asseclse, 
Jesu, Rex bone coslitum. 

Hi pro te furias atque minas truces 
Calcarunt homirium, saevaque verbera, 
His cessit lacerans fortiter ungula, 
Nec carpsit penetralia. 

Cosduntur gladiis more bidentium ; 
Non murmur resonat, non querimonia : 
Sed corde impavido mens bene conscia 
Conservat patientiam. 

Quae vox, quae poterit lingua retexere, 
Quae tu Martyribus munera praeparas ? 
Rubri nam fluido sanguine fulgidis 
Cingunt tempora laureis. 

Te, summa O Deitas, unaque, poscimus, 
Ut culpas abigas, noxia subtrahas ; 
Des pacem famulis, ut tibi gloriam 
Annorum inseriem canant. Amen. *q 



414 



vp:spers for Sundays. 



The Hymn. 

THROUGHOUT the world let joys arise, 

Let praises echo through the skies ! 

Let Heaven and earth, with joyful choir, 

To praise th' Apostles now conspire. 

Earth's shining- lights, by God design'd, 
To be the judges of mankind; 
Our humble pray'rs are void of art ; 
Accept the language of our heart. 

The gates of heav'n, by your command, 
Are fasten'd close, or open stand : 
Grant, we beseech you then, that we 
From sinful slavery may be free. 

Sickness and health your pow'r obey , 
This comes, and that you drive away : 
Then from our souls all sickness chase ; 
Let healing virtues take its place. 

That, when our Judge returns to weigh 
Our actions, at the dreadful day, 
We may with him to heav'n ascend, 
To live in joys that never end. 

To God the Father, and the Son, 

And Holy Spirit, three in one ; 

Be endless glory, as before 

The world began, so evermore. Amen. 

For one Martyr. 

O GOD, the lot, the crown, the gain, 
Of soldiers in thy service slain ; 
Make us forsake our sinful ways, 
Who meet to sing this Martyr's praise. 

This Saint, esteeming worldly joys 
As pleasing cheats, deceitful toys ; 
And bitter too, with secret gall, 
For Heaven, nobly scorn'd them all. 

1 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



415 



He bravely ran his painful race, 
And look'd his torments in the face ; 
For thee he fearless sheds his blood, 
And wades to Heaven through the flood. 

To thee, O gracious Lord, we fly, 
Beseeching; thee, with humble cry ; 
That on this Martyr's triumph, we 
From sin may be absolv'd by thee. 

To God the Father, and the Son, 

And Holy Spirit, three in one ; 

Be equal glory, equal praise, 

For an eternal length of days. Amen, 

For several Martyrs, 

LET us fam'd acts and triumphs sing 1 , 
Which from the Saints' high merits spring ; 
For now to celebrate we mind, 
Brave heroes of the noblest kind. 

These champions of thy name, sweet Lord, 
Were by the silly world abhorr'd ; 
Which world they held a barren thing, 
Where neither fruit nor flowers spring. 
For thee they slight the threats of foes, 
Their furious rage and deadly blows : 
The tearing hook they scorn no less, 
Which cannot reach the soul's recess. 
While barb'rous swords their bodies wound, 
No murmurs, no complaints resound ; 
For they to patience are resign'd, 
With dauntless heart, and spotless mind. 

What tongue can Ihose rich gifts declare, 

Which Christ for Martyrs does prepare? 

Brows that in streams of blood were drown'd, 

Are with refulgent laurels crown'd. 

Great God, we beg of thee to chase 

All harms away ; our sins efface ; 

Afford thy servants peaceful days, 

That they may ever sing thy praise. Amen, 



416 



VESPERS FOR SUNDAYS. 



For Confessors. 

The fifth Psalm is sometimes the following : 
Psalm cxxxi. 

MEMENTO, Domine, David, * et omnis mansuetu- 
dinis ejus. 

Sicut juravit Domino, * votum vovit Deo Jacob : 

Si introiero in tabernaculum domus meae, * si ascen- 
dero in lectum strati mei : 

Si dedero somnum oculis meis, * et palpebris meis 
dormitationem : 

Et requiem temporibus meis : donee inveniam locum 
Domino, * tabernaculum Deo Jacob. 

Ecce audivimus earn in Ephrata : * invenimus earn in 
campis sylvae. 

Introibimus in tabernaculum ejus: * adorabimus in 
loco, ubi steterunt pedes ejus. 

Surge, Domine, in requiem tuam, * tu et area sancti- 
ficationis tua2. 

Sacerdotes tui induantur justitiam : * et sancti tui 
exultent. 

Propter David servum tuum, * non avertas faciem 
Christi tui. 

Juravit Dominus David veritatem, et non frustabitur 
earn : * de fructu ventris tui ponam super sedem tuam. 

Si custodierint filii tui testamentum meum, * et testi- 
monia mea haec, quae docebo eos ; 

Et filii eorum usque in sseculum, * sedebunt super se- 
dem tuam 

Quoniam elegit Dominus Sion : * elegit earn in habi- 
tationem sibi. 

Haec requies mea in seculum saeculi : * hie habitabo, 
quoniam elegi earn. 

Viduam ejus benedicens benedicam : * pauperes ejus 
saturabo panibus. 

Sacerdotes ejus induam salutari : et sancti ejus exul- 
tutione exultabunt. 

Illuc producam comu David: * paravi lucernam 
Christo meo 

Inimicos ejus induam confusione: * super ipsum autem 
cfllorcbit sanctificatio mea. 



VESPERS. 



41? 



The Hymn, 
ISTE Confessor Domini, colentes 
Quern pie laudant populi per orbem ; 
Hac die laetus meruit beatas 
Scandere sedes. 

Or, instead of the two last lines. 
Hac die laetus meruit supremos 
Laudis honores. 

Qui pius, prudens, humilis, pudicus, 
Sobriam duxit sine labe vitam, 
Donee humanos animavit aurse 
Spiritus artus. 

Cujus ob praestans meritum, frequenter 
iEgra quce passim jacuere membra, 
Viribus morbi domitis, saluti 
Restituuntur. 

Noster hinc illi chorus obsequentum 
Concinit laudem celebresque palmas ; 
Ut piis ejus precibus juvemur, 
Omne per asvum. 

Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus, 
Qui super coeli solio coruscans, 
Totius mundi seriem gubernat, 
Trinus et unus. Amen. 

The same, in English. 

THIS day with gladness Christian choirs proclaim, 
His combats, triumphs, faith, and glorious name, 

Who boldly Christ on earth confessed, 

And now exults among the blest. 

Prudence and piety adorn'd his life, 
Unstained with ill, and undisturb'd by strife. 

Chaste, humble, meek he kept his heart, 

'Till bid by heav'n from life depart. 



8 



VESPERS. 



Th' Almighty now his servant's glory shows, 
And signal favours through his pray'rs bestows : 
Diseases fly before his shrine, 
And health returns by pow'r divine. 

Let's then in thankful songs our voices raise, 
And sing to him this solemn hymn of praise 

That by his pray'rs th' Almighty may 

His favours to our souls convey. 

To him be glory, pow'r, and endless fame, 
Whose wisdom rules the whole creation's frame 
And fills the bright celestial Throne, 
The great mysterious Three in One. Amen. 

For Virgins. 
The Psalms, as on the Festivals of the .Blessed Virgin. 
The Hymn. 
JESU, corona Virginum, 
Quern mater ilia concipit, 
Quae sola Virgo parturit ; 
Haec vota clem ens accipe. 

Qui pergis inter lilia, 
Septus choreis virginum, 
Sponsus decorus gloria, 
Sponsisque reddens prcemia. 

Quocunque tendis, Virgines 
Sequuntur, atque laudibus 
Post te canentes cursitant, 
Hymnosque dulces personant. 

Te deprecamur supplices, 
Nostris ut addas sensibus, 
Nescire prorsus omnia 
Corruptionis vulnera. 

Virtus, honor, laus, gloria, 
Deo Patri, cum Filio, 
Sancto simul Paraclito, 
In saeculorum saecula. Amen. 



VESPERS, 



419 



The same, in English. 
REGARD our vows with gracious eye, 
O Jesus, crown of purity ; 
Son of that chosen woman, who 
Was Virgin chaste, and Mother too. 

Amongst lilies thou lov'st to be ; 
Pure Virgins round thy throne we see. 
O glorious Bridegroom, who dost bless 
Thy Brides with endless happiness. 

Which way soe'er thy course doth bend, 
Chaste Virgins on thy steps attend ; 
Who, running after thee, do raise 
Their notes, and sing sweet hymns of prai9e . 

Hear us, O God of chastity ! 
From impure passions set us free ; 
Our frailties help, our vice control ; 
Submit the senses to the soul. 

To Jesus, from a Virgin sprung, 
Be glory giv'n, and praises sung ; 
The same to God the Father be, 
And Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen, 

For Holy Women. 
The Hymn. 
FORTEM virili pectore 
Laudemus omnes foe mi nam, 
Quae sanctitatis gloria 
Ubique fulget inclyta. 

Haec sancto amore saucia, 
Dum mundi amorem noxium 
Horrescit, ad coslestia 
Iter peregit arduum. 

Carnem domans jejuniis 
Dulcique mentem pabulo 
Orationis nutriens, 
Coeli potitur gaudiis. 



4£0 VESPERS. 

Rex Christe virtus fortium, 
Qui magna solus efficis, 
Hujus precatu qucesumus, 
Audi benignus supplices. 

Deo Patri sit gloria, 
Ej usque soli Filio, 
Cum Spiritu Paraclito, 
' Nunc et per omne sasculum. Amen, 

The same, in English. 

RISE, tuneful numbers, justly praise 
A holy woman's gen'rous ways, 
Whose fortitude exalts her name 
In ev'ry place, with glorious fame. 

Such holy love innam'd her heart, 
That she abhorr'd the pois'ning dart 
Of worldly love, and bravely trod 
The narrow way that leads to God. 

A body, grown with fasting dead, 
And mind with pray'r most sweetly fed ; 
Convey her soul above the sky, 
To joys that last eternally. 

O fountain of grace, Christ our King, 
From whom alone all good things spring, 
To thee for help we sinners fly ; 
Hear, through her prayers our humble cry. 

May each succeeding age proclaim 

The glory and eternal fame 

Of God the Father, and the Son, 

And Holy Spirit, Three in One. Amen. 

For Advent. 

The Hymn. 

CREATOR alme siderum 
iEterna lux credentium, 
Jesu, redemptor omnium, 
[ntende votis supplicum. 



VESPERS. 



421 



Qui dsemonis ne fraudibus, ¥ 
Periret orbis, impetu 
Amoris actus, languidi 
Mundi medela fact us es : 

Commune qui mundi nefas 
Ut expiares, ad crucem 
E Virginis sacrario 
Intacta prodis victima. 

Cujus protestas gloria?, 
Nomenque cum primum sonat ; 
Et coalites et inferi 
Tremente curvantur genu. 

Te deprecamur ultimae 
Magnum Diei Judicem ; 
Armis supernae gratiae, 
Defende nos ob hostibus. 

Virtus, honor, Iaus, gloria. 
Deo Patri cum Filio, 
Sancto simul Paraclito, 
In sseculorum sgecula. Amen. 

The same, in English. 

BRIGHT Maker of the starry poles. 
Eternal light of faithful souls, 
Christ, Saviour of mankind, espouse 
Our cause, and hear our humble vows ; 

Who, lest the fraud of hell's fell king 
Should all men to destruction bring, 
Didst, by an act of gen'rous love, 
The fainting world's Physician prove ; 

Who, that thou mightst our ransom pay, 
And wash the stains of sin away, 
Wouldst from a Virgin's womb proceed, 
And on the Cross a victim bleed ; 

Whose glorious pow'r, whose saving name 
No sooner any voice can frame, 
But heav'n, and earth, and hell agree 
To honour them with bended knee. 
* p 



422 



VESPERS. 



Thee, of the last accounting day 
The Sovereign Judge, we humbly pray, 
Of heav'nly grace such plenty send, 
As may our souls from sin defend. 

Let endless times aloud proclaim 
The glory, power, praise and name 
Of God the Father, and the. Son, 
And Holy Spirit, Three in One. Amen . 

Christmas. 

The Psalnis are, Dixit Dominus, p. 135. Confitebor, 
p. 136. Beatus vir, 137. 

Psalm cxxix. 

DE profundis clamavi ad te, Domine : * Domine, ex- 
audi vocem meam. 

Fiant aures tuee intendentes * in vocem deprecationis 
mese. 

Si iniquitates observaveris, Domine : * Domine, quis 
sustinebit ? 

Quia apud te propitiatio est: * et propter legem tuam 
sustinui te, Domine. 

Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus : * speravit anima 
mea in Domino. 

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem, speret Israel in 
Domino. 

Quia apud Dominum misericordia, et copiosa apud 
eum redemptio. 

Et ipse redimet Israel * ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. 
The Psalm Monmento, Domine, p. 3 

The Hymn, 

JESUS, the Ransomer of man, 
Who, e'er created light began, 
Didst from the Sovereign Father spring, 
His pow'r and glory equalling ; 
Thou brightness of thy Father's rays, 
The hope and end of all our ways , 
With gracious ears the prayVs attend, 
Which round the world to thee ascend. 



VESPERS. 



423 



Remember, Lord, that heretofore, 
When thee thy Virgin Mother bore, 
Thou, from her womb, didst breathe our air, 
And human nature for us wear. 

To thee, this present solemn day, 
We yearly adorations pay ; 
The world's Redeemer thee we own, 
Descending- from thy Father's throne. 

The joyful heavens, earth and main, 
With whatsoever they contain, 
In new harmonious accents sing, 
New life restor'd by th' new-born King. 

And we presume too, who have been 
Cleans'd by thy sacred blood from sin, 
The tribute of a hymn to pay, 
In honour of this joyful day. 

Jesus, to thee, the Virgin's Son, 

Be everlasting homage done : 

To God the Father we repeat 

The same, and to the Paraclete. Amen, 

The Epiphany. 

The Hymn. 

CRUDELIS Herodes Deum 
Regem venire quid times? 
Non eripit mortalia, 
Qui regnat dat ccelestia. 

Ibant magi quam viderant 
Stellam sequentes praeviam : 
Lumen requirunt lumine : 
Deum fatentur munere. 

Lavacra puri gurgitis 
Coelestis Agnus attigit : 
Peceata, quae non detulit, 
Nos abluendo sustulit. 



VESPERS. 



0 Novum genus potentite : 
Aquae rubescunt hydriae, 
Vinumque jussa fundere, 
Mutavit unda originem. 

Jesu tibi sit gloria, 
Qui apparuisti gentibus, 
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, 
In sempiterna saecula. Amen, 

The same, in English. 
WHAT makes thee cruel Herod, shake 
For fear that Christ thy crown should take ? 
He will not seize an earthly throne, 
Who heav'nly Kingdoms makes our own. 
The Sages coming from afar, 
Follow the new appearing Star : 
With light they seek a better light . 
Their gifts confess the G od of might. 

The heav'nly Lamb in Jordan stood 
To sanctify the crystal flood : 
Our sins with that baptismal dew 
Were wash'd in him who sin ne'er knew, 
A strange unusual power is shown : 
The water-pots are ruddy grown, 
Whose waters by command divine 
Their nature change, and run pure wine. 
To Christ who did the Gentiles call, 
Be endless glory given by all; 
To God the Father we repeat 
The same and to the Paraclete. Amen. 

The Holy Name of Jesus* 

JESUS, the only thought of thee 

With sweetness fills my breast ; 
But sweeter far it is to see, 

And on thy beauty feast. 
No sound, no harmony so gay, 

Can art of music frame ; 
No thoughts can reach, no words can say 

The sweets of thy blest name. 



VESPERS. 



425 



Jesus, our hope when we repent ; 

Sweet source of all our grace ; 
Sole comfort in our banishment ; 

O what, when face to face ! 
Jesus ! that name inspires my mind 

With springs of life and light ; 
More than I ask in thee 1 find, 

And lavish in delight. 

No art or eloquence of man 

Can tell the joys of love ; 
Only the Saints can understand, 

What they in Jesus prove. 
Thee then I'll seek, retird apart, 

From world and bus'ness free ; 
When these shall knock, I'll shut my heart, 

And keep it all for thee. 

Before the morning light Fll come 

With Magdalen, to find, 
In sighs and tears, my J esus' tomb. 

And there refresh my mind. 
My tears upon his grave shall flow, 

My sighs the garden fill ; 
Then at his feet myself I'll throw, 

And there I'll seek his will. 

Jesus, in thy blest steps I'll tread, 

And walk in all thy ways ; 
I'll never cease to weep and plead, 

'Till I'm restor'd to grace. 
O King of love, thy blessed fire 

Does such sweet flames excite, 
That first it raises the desire, 

Then fills it with delight. 

Come then, dear Lord, possess my heart ; 

Chase thence the shades of night ; 
Come, pierce it with thy flaming dart, 

And ever-shining light. Amen, 

* P 2 



426 



VESPERS. 



For Lent. 
Jerusalem, 
JERUSALEM, my happy homo, 

How do I sigh for thee, 
When shall my exile have an end, 
Thy joys when shall I see. 
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 

Jerusalem my happy home, 
How do I sigh for thee. 
No sun, no moon, in borrow'd light, 

Revolve thine hours away ; 
The Lamb on Calvary's mountain elain, 
Is thy eternal day. 

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, &c. 
From every eye He wipes the tear, 

All sighs and sorrows cease ; 
No more alternate hope or fear, 
But everlasting peace. 

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, &c. 
The thought of Thee to us is given, 

Our sorrows to beguile, 
To anticipate the bliss of heaven, 
In His eternal smile. 

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Sic. 

For Passion Time. 

VEXILLA regis prodeunt, 
Fulget crucis mysterium, 
Quo vita mortem pertulit, 
Et morte vitam protulit. 

Qua? vulnerata lance® 
Mucrone diro, criminum 
Ut nos lavaret sordibus, 
Manavit unda et sanguine. 

Impleta sunt qua? concmir 
David fideli carmine, 
Dicendo nationibus : 
Regnavit a ligno Deus. 



VESPERS, 



427 



For Lent. 

The Hymn, 
O BOUNTIFUL Creator! hear 
The prayers with which an humble fear, 
Before thy throne, this sacred Lent, 
We pour from hearts with sorrow rent. 

Almighty searcher of our hearts ! 
Thou know'st the weakness of our parts 
We to thy tender mercies fly ; 
Ah ! do thy healing- grace apply. 

Alas ! our sins are numberless ; 
But we our guilt with grief confess ; 
Lord, for the glory of thy name, 
From death our sinful souls reclaim. 

Whilst we by fast our flesh restrain, 
Permit us not to sin again : 
O may our hearts from vices free, 
For ever live and burn for thee ! 

Grant, O most holy Trinity ! 

O undivided unity ; 

The labour of this solemn fast, 

May lead us to eternal rest. Amen, 

For Passion Time. 

BEHOLD the royal ensigns fly, 
Bearing the Cross's mystery; 
Where life itself did death endure, 
And by that death did life procure. 

A cruel spear let out a flood 
Of water mix'd with saving blood, 
Which, gushing from the Saviour's side 
Drown'd our offences in the tide. 

The mystery we now unfold, 
Which David's faithful verse foretold, 
Of our Lord's kingdom, whilst we see 
God ruling nations from a tree. 



428 



VESPERS. 



Arbor decora et fulgida 
Ornata regis purpura, 
Electa digno stipite, 
Tarn sancta membra tangere. 

Beata, cujus brachiis 
Pretium pependit saeculi, 
Statera facta corporis, 
Tulitque prsedam tartari. 

O Crux, ave, spes unica: 
Hoc j?assionis tempore, 

(Instead of this last line, on the Finding of the Cross» is saidt 
Paschale quse fers guadium. 

On the Exaltation of the Cros3, is said. 
In hac triumphi gloria.) 

Piis adauge gratiam, 
Reisque dele crimina. 

Te, fons salutis Trinitas 
Collaudet omnis Spiritus ; 
Quibus erucis victoriam 
Largiris, adde prsemium. Amen. 

The Plaint of the B. Virgin* 

STABAT Mater dolorosa, 
Juxta crucem lacrymosa, 

Dum pendebat iilius, 
Cujus animam gementem, 
Contristatam et dolentem, 

Pertransivit gladius. 

O quam tristis et afflicta, 
Fuit ilia benedicta 

Mater unigeniti. 
Quae moerebat et dolebat, 
Et tremebat cum videdat 

Nati poenas inclyti. 

Quis est homo qui non fleret, 
Christi matrem si videret 



VESPERS. 



429 



O lovely tree, whose "branches wore 
The royal purple of his gore ! 
How glorious does thy body shine, 
Supporting members so divine ! 
The world's blest balance thou art made ; 
On thee our ransom Christ is weigh'd ; 
Our sins, though great, his pains outweigh, 
And rescue hell's expected prey. 

Hail, holy Cross ! Hail, mournful tree! 
Our hope with Christ is nail'd on thee ; 
Grant to the just increase of grace, 
And ev'ry sinner's crimes efface. 

Blest Trinity, we praises sing 

To thee, from whom all graces spring ; 

Celestial crowns on those bestow, 

Who conquer by the Cross below. Amen, 



In tanto supplicio ? 
Quis posset non contristari 
Piam matrem contemplari 

Dolentem cum filio ? 

Pro peccatis suoe gentis 
Vidit Jesum in tormentis, 

Et flagellis subditum. 
Vidit suum dulcem naturn,' 
Morientem, desolatum, 

Dum emisit spiritual. 
Eia mater fons amoris 
Me sentire vim doloris 

Fac, ut tecum lugeain. 
Fac ut ardeat cor meum, 
In amando Christum Deuin, 

Ut illi complaceam. 
Sancta mater istud agas, 
Crucifixi fige plagas 

Cordi meo valide. 
Tui Nati vulnerati, 
Tarn dignati pro me pati, 

Poenas mecum divide. 



450 



VESPERS. 



Fac me vere tecum flere, 
Crucifixo condolere, 

Donee ego vixero. 
Juxta crucem tecum stare, 
Te libenter sociare, 

In planctu desidero. 

Virgo virginum praeclara, 
Mihi jam non sis amara 

Fac me tecum plangere, 
Fac ut portem Christi mortem 
Passionis ejus sortem, 

Et plagas recolere. 



Easter Hymn. 

O FILII et Filise, 
Rex coelestis, Ptex gloriag, 
Morte surrexit hodie, Alleluia; 
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Et mane prima sabbati, 
Ad ostium Monumenti, 
Accesserunt Discipuli. Alleluia, &c. 

Et Maria Magdalene, 
Et Jacobi et Salome, 
Venerunt Corpus ungere. Alleluia, &c. 

In albis sedens Angel us 
Prredixit Mulieribus : 
In Galilaea est Dominus. Alleluia, &c. 

Et Joannes Apostolus, 
Cucurrit Petro citius, 
Monumento venit prius. Alleluia, &c. 

Discipulis astantibus, 
In medio stetit Christus, 
Dicens, Pax vobis omnibus. Alleluia, &c. 

Ut intellexit Dydimus, 
Quia surrexerat Jesus, 
Reman?it fide dubius. Alleluia, &c. 



VESPERS. 



4:; 



Fac me plagis vulnerari, 
Cruce hac inebriari,- 

Ob amorem filii. 
Inflammatus et accensus, 
Per te virgo sim defeasus, 

la die judicii. 

Fac me cruce custodiri, 
Morte Christi prasmuniri, 

Confoveri gratia 
Quando corpus morietur, 
Fac ut animas donetur, 

Paradisi gloria. Amen, 



Easter Hymn. 

YOUNG men and maids rejoice and sing; 
The King of heaven, the glorious King", 
This day from death rose triumphing. Alleluia, 
(Repeat Alleluia three times, and so after every stanza-) 

On Sunday morn, by break of day, 

His dear Disciples haste away 

Unto the tomb wherein he lay. Alleluia. 

And Magdalen, in company 

With Mary of James, and Salome, 

T' embalm the corpse, came zealously. Alleluia, 

An Angel clothed in white they see, 
When thither come ; and thus spoke he, 
The Lord you'll meet in Galilee. Alleluia. 

The dear belov'd Apostle John, 
Much swifter than Saint Peter run, 
And first arrived at the tomb. Alleluia. 

While in a room th' Apostles were, 
Our Lord among them did appear, 
And said, Peace be unto all here. Alleluia. 

To Didymus, when all deelarM, 

That Christ had ris'n, and had appeared, 

He doubted still the truth he heard. Alleluia, 



482 



VESPERS. 



Vide, Thoma, vide Latus, 
Vide Pedes, vide Manus ; 
Noli esse incredulus. Alleluia, &c. 

Quando Thomas vidit Christum, 
Pedes, manus, latus suum, 
Dixit, tu es Deus meus. Alleluia, &c 

Beati qui non viderunt, 
Et firmiter crediderunt, 
Vitam seternam habebunt. Alleluia, &c. 

In hoc Festo sanctissimo, 
Sit Laus et Jubilatio, 
Cenedicamus Domino. Alleluia, &c. 

Ex quibus nos humillimas, 
Devotas atque debitas, 
Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia. 
Alleluia, Alleluia,, Alleluia. 

At Easter Time. 

The Hymn, 

AD regias agni dapes, 
Stolis amicti candidis, 
Post transitum maris rubri 
Christo canamus Principi. 

Divina cujus charitas 
Sacrum propinat sanguinem, 
Amiique membra corporis. 
Amor sacerdos immolat. 

Sparsum cruorem postibua 
Vastator horret Angelus ; 
Fugitque divisum mare ; 
Merguntur hostes fluctibus. 

Jam Pascha nostrum Christus est, 
Faschalis idem victima, 
Et pura puris mentibus 
Sinceritatis azyma. 



VESPERS. 



433 



O Thomas, view my hands, my side, 
My feet ; my wounds still fresh abide ; 
Set incredulity aside. Alleluia. 

When Thomas his dear Saviour saw, 

And touch'd his wounds with trembling awe, 

Thou art my God, said he, I know. Alleluia* 

Blessed are they who have not seen, 
And yet who firm in faith have been ; 
With me they shall forever reign. Alleluia, 

In this most solemn feast let's raise 
Our hearts to God in hymns of praise, 
And let us bless the Lord always. Alleluia, 

Our grateful thanks to God let's give, 
In humble manner, while we live, 
For all the favours we receive. Alleluia, 
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. 

At Easter Time. 

The Hymn, 

THE Red Sea's dangers now are past ; 
Clad in white robes, come, let us taste 
The Lamb's most royal feast, and sing 
A hymn of praise to Christ our King. 

The victim in this mystic feast 
Is Christ himself; his love, the priest ; 
Love tore his flesh, love spilt his blood ; 
Love gives us both to be our food. 

The posts, thus mark'd with sacred gore, 
The wasting angel passes o'er ; 
The yielding sea divides its waves ; 
Egyptians float in liquid graves. 

Our paschal feast and sacrifice, 
Is Christ the Lamb, who for us dies ; 
Christ is the pure unleaven'd bread, 
By which the purest minds are fed. 

* Q 



4 



VESPERS. 



O vera coeli victima, 
Subjecta cui sunt tartara, 
Soluta mortis vincula, 
Recepta vitee prsemia. 

Victor subactis inferis 
Tropheaea Christus explicat, 
Caeloque aperto, subditum 
Regem tenebrarum trahit. 

Ut sis perenne mentibus 
Paschale Jesu gaudium, 
A morte dira criminum 
Vitse renatos libera. 

Deo Patri sit gloria, 
Et Filio, qui a mortuis, 
Surrexit, ac Paraclito, 
In sempiterna sascula. Ameru 

Ascension Day. 

The Hymn. 
JESUS, the Saviour of mankind, 
Delight of evYy pious mind ; 
Restorer of man's fallen race, 
And purest source of light and grace I 

O boundless love ! O matchless grace ! 
Thou, guiltless, tak'st the guilty's place; 
And, to make wretched sinners live, 
Thou, spotless Lamb ! thy life would'st give. 

Th' infernal gates are forc'd by thee, 
Hell's captives from their chains set free ; 
And thou, with this triumphant train, 
Ascend'st on God's right hand to reign. 

JVkitsunday. 

VENI, Creator Spiritus, 
Mentes tuorum visita ; 
Imple superna gratia, 
Quae tu creasti, pectora, 



VESPERS. 



435 



O true celestial sacrifice ! 
By thee, hell's power vanquish'd lies ; 
Relentless death unlocks his chains, 
And life eternal, mun. regains I 

The tyrant prince of hellish might 
Thus conquer'd, and th' infernal fight 
Thus won, victorious Christ displays 
His trophies, and to heav'n conveys. 

That we forever may possess 
This joyful paschal happiness, 
From death of sin, O Jesus free 
Those that are born again of thee. 

To God the Father, and the Son 

Who rose from death, be homage done ; 

This praise forever let's repeat 

To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. 



Let now kind mercy plead our cause ; 
Heal thou our wounds, repair our loss ; 
And call us to enjoy thy sight, 
In realms of everlasting light. 

O Jesus, whilst on earth we stay, 
Guide thou our footsteps in thy way ; 
And soothe our sorrows with thy love, 
Until we reign with thee above. 

To Jesus who ascends the sky, 

Be glory for eternity ; 

To God the Father let's repeat 

The same, and to the Paraclete. Amen. 

Whitsunday. 

SPIPv.1T, Creator of mankind, 
Come, visit ev'ry pious mind, 
And sweetly let thy grace invade 
Our hearts, O Lord, which thou hast made. 



436 



VESPERS. 



Qui diceris Paracletus ; 
Altissimi Donum Dei, 
Fons vivus, ignis, charitas, 
Et spiritalis unctio. 

Tu septiformis munere, 
Digitus Paternse dexterae 
Tu rite promissum Patris, 
Sermone ditans guttura. 

Accende lumen sensibus ; 
Infimde amorem cordibus : 
Infirma nostri corporis 
Virtute firmans perpeti. 

Kostem repellas longius, 
Pacemque dones protinus : 
Due tore sic te praevio 
Vitemus omne noxium. 

Per te sciamus da Patrem 
Noscamus atque Filium ; 
Teque utriusque spiritum 
Credamus omni tempore. 

Deo Patri sit gloria 
Et Filio, qui a mortuis 
Surrexit, ac Paraclito 
In saeculorum saecula. Amen. 



Corpus CkristL 

Vespers of the B. Sacrament. 

The Psalms are, Dixit Dominus, p. 135 Coniitebor. 
p. 136. Credidi,^. 158. 

Psalm exxvii. 
BEATI omnes qui timent, Dominum, 4 qui ambulant 
in viis ejus. 

Labores manuum tuarum quia manducabis : * beatus 
cs, et bene tibi erit. 



VESPERS. 



437 



Thou art the Comforter, whom all, 
Gift of the highest G od, must call ; 
The living 1 fountain, fire and love ; 
The ghostly unction from above ; 

God's sacred finger, which imparts 
A sev'n-fold grace to faithful hearts; 
Thou art the Father's promise, whence 
We language have, and eloquence. 

Enlighten, Lord, our souls, and grant 
That we thy love may never want ; 
Let not our virtue ever fail, 
But strengthen what in flesh is frail. 

Chase from our minds th' infernal foe, 
And peace, the fruit of love, bestow ; 
And lest our feet should step astray, 
Protect and guide us in the way. 

Make us eternal truths receive, 
And practise all that we believe : 
Give us thyself, that we may see 
The Father and the Son in thee. 

Immortal honor, endless fame, 
Attend th' Almighty Father's name : 
To the Son equal praises be, 
And, holy Paraclete, to thee. Amen, 



Uxor tua sicut vitis abundans * in lateribus domus 
tuae. 

Filii tui sicut novellas olivarum * in circuitu mensas 
tuae. 

Ecce sic benedioetur homo * qui timet Dominum. 
Benedicat tibi Dominus ex Sion : et videas bona Je- 
rusalem omnibus diebus vitae tuae. 

Et videas nlios filiorum tuorum, * pacem super Israel. 
Lauda, Jerusalem, p. 155. 

Q 2 



438 



VESPERS. 



THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD 

Anthem. 
ADESTE, fideles! 

Lseti triumphantes, 
Venite, venile in Bethlehem, 

Natum videre 
Regem angelorum. 
Venite, adoremus ; 
Venite, adoremus ; 
Venite, adoremus Dominum, 

Deum de Deo, 

Lumen de lumine, 
Gestant puellse viscera, 

Deum verum 
Genitiim non factum. 

Venite, &c. 

Cantet nunc To ! 

Chorus angelorum, 
Cantet nunc aula coslestium, 

Gloria 
In excelsis Deo ; 

Venite, &c. 

Ergo, qui natus 

Die hodierna, 
Jesu tibi sit gloria. 

Patris aeterni 
Verbum caro factum; 

Venite, &c. 



The same, in English. 
WITH hearts truly grateful 
Come, all ye faithful, 
To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem 
See Christ your Saviour, 
Heav'n's greatest favour. 
Let's hasten to adore him, 
Let's hasten to adore him, 
Let's hasten to adore him, our 
God and King. 
God to God equal, 
Light of light eternal ; 
Carried in virgin's ever spotles3 
He all preceded, [womb } 

Begotten, not created. 

Let's hasten, &c. 
Angels now praise him, 
Loud their voices raising: 
The heav'nly mansions with joy 
now ring, 
To him who's most holy, 
Be honour, praise and glory. 

Let's hasten, Sec. 
To Jesus, this day born, 
Grateful homage return; 
'Tis he, who all heav'nly gifts does 
Word increated, [bring 
To our flesh united. 

Let's hasten, &c. 
We joyfully singing, 
Grateful tributes bringing, 
Praise him, and bless him in hea 

v'nly hymns. 
Angela implore him, 

Seraphs fa'.l before him. 
Then e'er let us adore him— our 
God «*^d King. 



Another Hymn. 
AVE verum corpus natum 

De Maria Virgine, 
Vere passum, immolatum, 

In cruce pro horaine. 
Cujus latus perforatum 

Unda fluxit et sanguine 
Esto nobis pra3gustatum ? 

Mortis in examine 
O Jesu dulcis ! 

O Jesu pie! 
O Jesu fili Marina 

Tu nobis miserere. 



VESPERS. 



439 



Uni trinoque Domino 
Sit sempiterna gloria, 
Qui vitam sine termino, 
Nobis donet in patria. Amen, 

The following are sometimes sung at the benediction of 
the Blessed Sacrament. 

Chorus. Adoremus in aeternum 

Sanctissmium Sacramentum. 

Solo. Laudate Dominum, p. 143. 

The same, in English. 

Prostrate in trembling- awe let's all adore 
This holy Sacrament for ever more. 

Another Hymn. 

HAIL ! real body of our Lord, 

From spotless Virgin born ; 
Hail ! Victim, stretch'd upon the cross, 

And for us bruis'd and torn. 

Thy side with cruel spear transpierc'd, 

Let out a saving flood, 
(To wash our sinful stains away,) 

Of water mix'd with blood. 

O heav'nly manna ! be our food, 

Whilst in this life we stay ; 
And when death comes, prepare our souls 

To meet the judgment day. 

O gracious Jesus! bounteous Lord! 

O Mary's clement Son ! 
Let sinners grace and pardon find, 

Before thy mercy's throne. 



440 



VESPERS. 



The following Antiphons to the Blessed Virgin 
are sometimes added. 

SUB tuum presidium confugimus 
Sancta Dei genitrix. 

Nostras deprecationes ne 
Despicias in necessitatibus nostris. 

Sed a periculis cunctis, 
Libera nos semper, Virgo, 
Gloriosa et benedicta. 

The same, in English. 
O HOLY Mother of our God ! 

To thee for help we fly ; 
Despise not this oui humble prayer, 

But all our wants supply. 

O glorious Virgin, ever blest ! 

Defend us from our foes ; 
From threatening dangers set us free, 

And terminate our woes. 

All Saints* 

The Hymn. 
PLACARE, Christe, servulis, 
Quibus Patris clementiam 
Tuse ad tribunal gratise 
Patrona virgo postulat. 

Et vos beata, per novem 
Distincta gyros Agrnina, 
Antiqua cum praesentibus, 
Futura damna pellite. 

Apostoli cum vatibus, 
Apud severum Judicem, 
Veris reorum fletibus 
Exposite indulgentiam. 

Vos purpurati Mar-tyres 
Vos caudidati praemio 
Confessionis exules 
Vocate nos in Patriam. 



VESPEUS. 



441 



Another, 

IN VIOL AT A, integra et casta es, Maria; 
Quae es effecta fulgida coeli porta. 
O Mater alma Christi charissima ! 
Suscipe pia laudum praeconia, 
Quaenunc devota Habitant corda et ora ; 
Nostra ut pura pectora sint et corpora. 
Tua per precata dulcisona 
Nobis concedas veniam per ssecula. 
O benigna! O Regina! O Maria! 
Quae sola inviolata permansisti. 

Another.' 

Solo. O SANCTISSIMA, O purissima 

Dulcis Virgo Maria. 
Chorus, Mater amata, intemerata 

Ora, ora pro nobis. 
Solo. Tota pulchra es, O Maria ! 

Et macula non est in te. Chor. Mater, &c. 
Solo. Sicut lilium inter spinas 

Sic Maria inter Filias. Chor. Mater &c. 

All Saints. 

The Hymn. 
O JESUS, let thy anger cease, 
Thy Virgin Mother for our peace 
At thy tribunal pleading stands, 
And mercy earnestly demands. 
And you, O Angels, who in nine 
Distinguished orders glorious shine, 
Preserve our minds, our hearts and wills 
From present, past, and future ills. 
Ye Prophets and Apostles plead 
Before our Judge, and intercede 
For sinners, that by tears unfeign'd 
His pard'ning grace may be obtain'd. 

Ye crimson troops of Martyrs bright, 
And Confessors array'd in white, 
Let us no longer exilYl roam, 
But call us to our heavenly home. 



442 



COMPLIN. 



Chorea casta virginum, 
Et quos eremus incolas 
Transmisit astris, coelitum 
Locate nos in sedibus. 

Auferte gentem perfidam 
Credentium de finibus, 
Ut unus omne-s unicuni 
Ovile nos Pastor regat. 

Deo Patri sit gloria, 
Natoque Patris unico, 
Sancto simul Paraclito, 
In sempiterna saecula. Amen. 



COMPLIN 

CONVERTE nos, Deus, salutaris noster 
Et averte iram tuam a nobis. Deus, in adjutorium 
meiira intende. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. 
Gloria Patri, et Filio, &c. 
Ant. Miserere. 

Psalm iv. 

CUM invocarem, exaudivit me Deus justitiae : in 
tribulatione dilatasti mihi. 

Miserere inei: et exaudi orationem meam. 

Filii hominum, usquequo gravi corde : ut quid diligitig 
vanitatem et quaeritis mendacium. 

Et scitote quoniam mirincavit Dominus sanctum suum: 
Dominus exaudiet me cum clamavero ad eum. 

lrascimini, et nolite peccare, qu;e dicitis in cordibus 
vestris, in cubilibus vestris compungimini. 

Sacrificate sacrificium justitiae, et sperate in Domino, 
multi dicunt, quis ostendit nobis bona ? 

Signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui, Domino* 
dedisti laetitiam in corde meo. 

A fructu frumenti, vini et olei sui: multiplicati sunt. 

In pace in idipsum : dormiam et requiescam. 



COMPLIN 



443 



Chaste Virgins, and ye truly wise, 
Who from the deserts fill'd the skies, 
For us an everlasting reign 
Amongst the Saints of Christ obtain. 

From Christian lands those faithless chase, 
Who Christian truths and faith deface : 
That all mankind united may 
One Pastor of our souls obey. 

To God the Father, and the Son, 
And Holy Spirit, Three in One, 
Be equal glory, equal praise, 
For an eternal age of days. Amen, 



Quoniam tu,Domine,singulariter in spe: constituisti me. 
Gloria Patri, &c. 

Psalm xxx. 

IN te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in aeternum : 
m justitia tua libera me. 

Inclina ad me aurem tuam, accelera ut eruas me. 

Esto mih?. in Deum protectorem et in domum refugii : 
Ut salvum me facias. 

Quoniam fortitudo mea et refugiuin meum es tu : et 
propter nomen tuum-deduces me et enutries me. 

Educes me de laqueo hoc quern absconderunt mini : 
quoniam tu es protector me as. 

In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum : redemisti 
me, Domine Deus veritatis. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 

Psalm xc. 

QUI habitat in adjutorio altissimi : in protectione Dei 
coeli commorabitur. 

Dicet Domino, susceptor meus es tu, et refugium 
meum : Deus meus sperabo in eum. 

Quoniam ipse liberavit me de laqueo venantium, et a 
verbo aspero. 

Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi : et sub pennis ejus spe- 
rabis. 



444 



COMPLIN. 



Scuto circumdabit te Veritas ejus : non timebis a ti- 
more nocturne 

A sagitta volante in die, a negotio perambulante in 
tenebris : ab incursu et dsemonio meridiano. 

Cadent a latere tuo mille, et decern millia a dextri; 
tuis : ad te autem non appropinquabit. 

Verumtamen oculis tuis considerabis, et retributioneru 
peccatorum videbis. 

Quoniam tu es, Domine, spes mea : altissimum posuisti 
refugium tuum. 

Non accedet ad te malum ; et fiagellum non appropin- 
quibit tabernaculo tuo. 

Quoniam Angelis suis mandavit de te : ut custodiant 
te in omnibus viis tuis. 

In manibus portabunt te : ne forte offendas ad lapidem 
pedem tuum. 

Super aspidem et basiliscum ambalabis : et conculca- 
bis leonem et draconem. 

Quoniam in me speravit,liberabo eum, protegam eum, 
quoniam cognovit nomem meum. 

Clamabit ad me, et ego exaudiam eum : cum ipso sum 
in tribulatione, eripiam eum et glorificabo eum. 

Longitudine dierum replebo eum, at ostendam illi sa- 
lutare meum. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 

Psalm exxxiii. 
ECCEnuncbenediciteDominum: omnes servi Domini, 
Qui statis in domo Domini : in atriis domus Dei nostri, 
In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta: et bene- 

dicite Dominum. 

Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion: qui fecit coelurn et 

terram. 

Gloria Patri, &c. 

Ant, Miserere mei. Domine, et exaudi orationen 
meam. 

Hymn. 
TE lucis ante terminum, 
Rerum creator poscimus, 
Ut solita dementia, 
Sis prsesul ad custodiam. 



COMPLIN. 



445 



Procul recedant somnia, 
Et noctium phantasmata, 
Hostemque nostrum comprime, 
Ne polluantur corpora. 

Praesta, Pater omnipotens, 
Per Jesum Christum Dominum, 
Qui tecum in perpetuum, 
Regnat cum Sancto Spiritu. Amen. 

Lit lie Chapter, Jerem. 14. 

TU autem in nobis es, Domine, etnomen sanctum tuum 
mvocatum est super nos : ne derelinquas nos, Domine 
Deus noster. 

Deo gratias. 

In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. 
manus, &c. 

Redemisti nos, Domine, Deus veritatis. Commendo 
ipiritum meum. 
Gloria Patri, Szc. 

In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. 
V. Custodi nos, Domine, ut pupillam oculi. 
R. Sub umbra alarum tuarum protege nos. 
Ant. Salva nos. 

Canticle of Simeon, Luc. 2. 

NUNC dimittis servum tuum, Domine : secundum 
I erbum tuum in pace. 

Quia viderunt oculi mei, salutare tuum. 

Quod parasti : ante faciem omnium populorum. 

Lumen ad revelationem gentium : et gloriam plebis 
use Israel. 

Gloria Patri, Szc. 

Ant. Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes ; custodi nos dor- 
tnientes, ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in 
pace. 

Oremas. 

VISITA, qusesumus, Domine, habitationem nostram, et 
omnes insidias inimici ab ea longe repelle ; Angeli tui 
sancti habitent in ea, qui nos in pace eustodiant, et bene- 
dictio tua sit super nos semper. Per Domimim, &c, 

* K 



( 446 ) 



THE FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 

SUNDAY, a day dedicated by the apostles to the more 
particular service and honour of Almighty God, on 
which, by the precept of the church, all who have no 
lawful impediment, are obliged to be present at the most 
adorable sacrifice of the Mass. And it is transferred 
from the Jewish Sabbath to the day following-, in me- 
mory that Christ our Lord rose from the dead, and sent 
down the Holy Ghost on that day, whence it is called 
The Lortfs Day, and Sunday from the heathens dedi- 
cating it to the sun. 

January 1.— The CIRCUMCISIOxN" of our LORD 
JESUS CHRIST, called Ncw-Year's-Day, is a feast of 
obligation ; that is, the church demands of every one 
who is not prevented by infirmity, distance, or particular 
situation in life, to be present at the most adorable sacri- 
fice of the Mass ; and the like is to be observed on all 
other days which are marked of obligation : but the ab- 
sent are not to infer, from the iawful impediments to 
their being present, that they are quitted from the obli- 
gation ; they may intentionally present themselves to 
join with those who are present at the Mass, and, if con- 
venient, make use of such devotions as are allotted to 
the time, or by saying the rosary or other prayers, seek 
to obtain a share in the advantages of this divine institu- 
tion. 

This festival is to commemorate the first shedding of 
the blood of our dear Redeemer, when he complied with 
the sacrament of the old law, (Gen. xvii. 12.) command- 
ing all male, children, on the eighth day from their birth, 
to undergo this ceremony, though not necessary to him 
who was all purity; yet, having taken the nature of 
man, he chose to submit to the weakness of our under- 
standing*, and received on this day the name Jesus (Luke 
xviii. 31.) which signifies Saviour. 

Jan. 6. — Epiphany of our Lord, a feast of obligation 
in memory and honour of Christ's manifestation to the 
Gentiles by an extraordinary star, which conducted the 
three kin^s from the East to adore him in the manger. 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



447 



where they presented him with gold, myrrh, and frank- 
incense, in token of his regality, humanity, and divinity, 
or of his being God, King, and Man. The word Epiph- 
any comes from the Greek, and signifies a manifestation ; 
and it is called Twelfth Day, because celebrated the 
twelfth day after Christ's birth, exclusively. The same 
day are commemorated our Saviour's baptism, and his 
first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding 
of Cana in Galilee. 

Jan. 25. — Conversion of St. Paul. This feast was in- 
stituted by the church to perpetuate the memory of hi3 
miraculous conversion, which happened on this day, ir» 
the 35th year of Christ, as he was going with letters from 
Jerusalem to Damascus, to persecute the Christians, 
when suddenly a voice from heaven called him, and of a 
persecutor rendered him an apostle, (Acts xi.) 

Feb. 2. — Candlemas-Day, or the Purification of theB, 
Virgin, a feast of devotion ; that is, all who can would 
do well to hear mass ; but the precept of obligation by 
a late grant is dispensed with. It is in memory and 
honour both of the presentation of our blessed Lord, and 
the Purification of the Virgin Mary in the temple of Je- 
rusalem the fortieth day after her happy delivery, ac- 
cording to the lav/ of Moses (Lev. xii.) and is called pu- 
rification, from the Latin word purifico, which signifies 
to purify ; not that the blessed Virgin had contracted any 
sin by her childbirth which needed purifying, being the 
mother of purity itself, but because other women were, 
by this ceremonious rite, freed from the legal impurity 
of childbirth, to which, out of her great humility, she 
submitted. It is called Candlemas, because before mass 
is said, the church blesses her candles for the whole year, 
and mak^s a procession with them in the hands of the 
faithful, in memory of the light wherewith Christ illu- 
minated the whole church at his presentation, when old 
Simeon styled him a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, 
and the glory of his people Israel, (Luke ii. 32.) 

Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima Sun- 
days, are days set apart by the church for acts of pen- 
ance and mortification, and are a certain gradation or 
preparation to the devotion of Lent, being more proper 

I ittiiii. i. Hi i t 



448 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED 



and immediate to the passion and resurrection of Christ; 
taking their numeral denominations from their bein» 
about seventy, sixty, and fifty days before Easter. 

Shrovetide signifies the time of confession ; for our an- 
cestors used to say, ive will go shrift ; and in the more 
primitive times, it was the custom of all good Christians 
then to confess their sins to a priest, the better to prepare 
themselves for a holy observance of Lent, and worthy re- 
ceiving the blessed sacrament at Easter. 

Ash-Wednesday, a day of public penance and humili- 
ation through the whole church of God ; so called from 
the ceremony of blessing ashes, wherewith the priest 
signs the people with a cross on their foreheads, giving 
them this wholesome admonition, Remember, man, that 
dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return, (Gen. ii. 
9.) to remind them of their mortality, and prepare them 
for the holy fast of Lent; the ashes are made of the 
palms blessed the Palm Sunday before. During Lent, 
about five o'clock, eachof the chapel? in Philadelphia choose 
one evening every week, except Holy Week, for saying 
Complin, and giving benediction, and have a discourse 
expressive of the nature of this penitential season. 

Lent is called in Latin Quadragesima, because it is a 
fast of forty days, except Sundays, which are only absti- 
nence, instituted by the church in a grateful commemo- 
ration of Christ's fasting forty days in the desert. 

Passion-Sunday, so called from the passion of Christ 
then drawing nigh, was ordained by the church more 
closely to prepare us for the worthy celebration of that 
solemnity. This day crucifixes, Sic. are covered in 
churches with mourning colour, both to commemorate 
our Saviour's going out of the temple and hiding him- 
self, and to dispose us to compassionate his sufferings. 

Palm-Sunday, the first day of the Holy Week, is in 
memory and honour of our Lord's triumphant entry into 
Jerusalem, so called from the palm-branches strewed 
under his feet by the Hebrew children, crying, Hosanna 
to the Son of David, (Matt, xxi.) And therefore th 
day the church blesses palms, and makes a solemn pro 
cession, in memory of the humble triumph of our Sa- 
viour, the people bearing palm-branches. And in tin 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



449 



mass is read the passion of our blessed Redeemer from 
the Gospel of St. Matthew, as that from St. Mark is on 
Tuesday, and from St. Luke on Wednesday. 

On Wednesday, Maunday-Thursday, and Good-Friday, 
the office of Tenebrae, which signifies darkness, is said or 
sung in the chapels of London about five o'clock in the 
evening 1 , and the fourteen yellow lights in the triangular 
branch extinguished at the end of each psalm, one by 
one, leaving only that which is a white one at the top 
lighted ; and at the end of every second verse of the 
benedictus, one of the lights on the altar is also extin- 
guished till the whole six are put out ; and during the 
psalm miserere, the white candle is taken from the tri- 
angular branch, and hid till the noise, which is made to 
represent the convulsed state of nature at the time of the 
death of her Maker, and then brought forth, and put 
lighted in the place, on the branch from which it wa3 
taken, which is to remind us that the divinity never was 
separated from the humanity. 

Maundy-Thursday, in memory of our Lord's last sup- 
per, when he instituted the blessed sacrament of his pre- 
cious body and blood, so called from the first word of 
the anthem, Mandatum, Szc. (John xiii. 34.) I give you a 
new command, that you love one another, as I have loved 
you; which is sung on that day in the church, when 
the prelates begin the ceremony of washing the people's 
feet, in imitation of Christ's washing those of his disciples, 
before he instituted that blessed sacrament. On Maun- 
dy-Thursday there is but one mass, the organ plays and 
bells ring during the Gloria in excelsis Deo, and then 
cease till the same begins on Holy- Saturday. On this 
day two hosts are consecrated, one of which is left for 
public adoration the remainder of the day ; and various 
0 ^corations are usual in this country in honour of this 
solemnity of the blessed sacrament. 

Good-Friday, the most sacred and memorable day, on 
which the great and glorious work of our redemption, 
was consummated by our Saviour Jesus Christ on his 
bloody cross, between two thieves at Jerusalem. 

The sacred host continues exposed during the office, 
for there is no mass on this day ; the passion from St. 
*R2 



450 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



John is read, the cross is uncovered with great solemni 
ty, and the justly merited relative respect paid by the; 
faithful, as to the image of that. on which the redemp- 
tion of mankind was completed. — There is a discourse 
in general on this occasion. 

Holy Saturday. — The great functions of this day were 
formerly done in the night, and are begun by blessing 
the lire, lighting the triple candle, blessing the paschal 
candle, and grains of incense in form of five nails, which 
are stuck into it, reading twelve prophecies concerning 
the great events which those days represent; blessing 
the font for baptizing, of which an explanation is given 
in the Holy Week Book: and the first mass and vespers 
for Easter is said. On beginning the Gloria in excelsisDeo, 
the organ plays and the bells ring, which they had not 
done from the same time on Maundy-Thursday. From 
this day till the ascension, the paschal candle is lighted 
up at the gospel, to remind us that our blessed Saviour 
was with us on the earth till his glorious ascension, in- 
structing his apostles and faithful in all truths. 

The four Ember Weeks, in Latin quatuor tempora, are 
times of public prayer, fasting, and procession, saying the 
litany of the saints, partly instituted for the successful 
ordination of priests and ministers of the church, which 
is at these four seasons of the year commonly performed, 
and partly to beg and give thanks to God for the fruits 
of the earth : ember comes from the Greek word emera, 
a day ; others call them ember-days, from the ancient re- 
ligious custom of eating nothing on those days till night, 
and then only a cake baked under the embers, called 
ember-bread. 

Wakes, or country feasts, are usually observed on ti 
Sunday next after the saint's day to whom the pari 
church is dedicated, and took origin from a letter writt 
by St. Gregory the Great to St. Melitus, abbot, who w 
sent into England with St. Augustin,in these words : — " 
may therefore be permitted them (the English) that < 
the dedication days, or other solemn days of marty , 
Uiey may make them bowers about their churches, ai 
refreshing themselves, and feasting together after a go* I 
religious sort, kill their oxen now to the praise 



PESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



451 



God, and increase of charity : which before they were 
wont to sacrifice to the devil." — Bedels Eccl. Hist, chap, 
30, And they are called wakes, because on the vigils of 
those feasts people were wont at night to awake from 
sleep, and go to prayers. 

Feb. 24. — St. Matthias; a feast of devotion, chosen by 
the college of apostles to supply the place of Judas the 
traitor: he was crowned with martyrdom in Jewry, in 
the year 74. 

March 19. — St. Gregory, surnamed the Great, for his 
admirable works and indefatigable labours: amongst 
which, his sending for the conversion of our isle St. Au- 
gustin, with other holy monks of St. Benedict's rule, is 
not the meanest fruit of his many toilsome labours ; and 
for which he is worthily styled by St. Bede, the apostle 
of England : he died anno 604. 

March 17. — St. Patrick, a feast of devotion, son to 
Calphurnius, a noble Briton of Pembrokeshire, being 
educated by his uncle, the great St. Martin of France, 
was ordained by Pope Celestin, anno 431, and sent to 
preach the gospel, first to the Scots, then to the Irish, 
which nation he converted, and became their apostle ; he 
died full of sanctity and miracles, aged 122, anno 461. 

March 19. — St. Joseph, a feast of devotion, spouse of 
our blessed Lady; he died in Judea about the 12th year 
of Jesus Christ. 

March 25. — Annunciation of our Lady, a feast of ob- 
ligation, in memory of the angel Gabriel's most happy 
embassy to her ; upon which, by her consent, and the 
operation of the Holy Ghost, the Son of God was incar- 
nate in her sacred womb. 

Easter-day, in Latin pascha, a great festival in memo- 
ry and honour of our Saviour's resurrection from the 
dead on the third day after his crucifixion, (Matt, xxviii. 
6.) It is called Easter from Oriens, the East, or rising, 
one of Christ's titles : And his name (says the prophet 
Zacharias, chap. 6.) is Oriens. Easter-Monday also is a 
feast of obligation in memory of our Lord's first appari- 
tion after his resurrection; which is commemorated on 
this day for the greater solemnity of his festival. East- 
er-Tuesday is a feast of devotion. 



452 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



Low-Sunday, in Latin Dominica in alhis, is the octave 
of Easter-day, and so called from the catechumens' white 
garments, emblems of innocence and joy, which they 
put on at their baptism, and solemnly put off this day. 

Holy Thursday, or Ascension-day, a feast of obligation, 
solemnized in memory of Christ's glorious ascension into 
heaven on the fortieth day after his resurrection, in the 
sight of his apostles and disciples, (Acts i. 9.) for which 
reason the paschal candle at the end of the gospel is 
taken away to signify the same. 

April 23. — St. George, a feast of devotion, martyr of 
Cappadocia, about the year 300, of whom the Roman 
martyrology says, that the church of God honours his 
glorious martyrdom among other mart3^rs. He was 
chosen in a special manner as chief patron of our English 
nation, at the instance of the glorious Prince Henry V. 
when he undertook his expedition for regaining France ; 
when it was also ordained by a provincial constitution, 
that his feast should be kept holy ; and his solemnity is 
observed with a double office and octave throughout the 
whole realm. 

April 25. — St. Mark, evangelist, a feast of devotion, 
was disciple and interpreter to St. Peter, who writing 
his gospel at the request of the Christians at Rome, took 
it with him into Egypt, where first preaching at Alexan- 
dria, he founded that church ; and afterwards being ap- 
prehended for the faith of Christ, was bound with cords, 
dragged upon stones, and shut up in a close prison, where 
he was comforted by an angelic vision, and an apparition 
of our Lord. Finally he was called to heaven, in the 
eighth year of Nero. On this day the long litanies are 
said, and abstinence from flesh is observed, to obtain a 
blessing on the fruits of the earth. 

May 1. — SS. Philip and James, apostles, a feast of de- 
votion. After the first had converted almost all Scythia 
to the faith of Christ, being fastened to a cross, was 
stoned to death, making a glorious end at Hierapolis in 
Asia, anno 54. The second, called our Lord's brother, 
was the first bishop of Jerusalem, where being thrown 
from a pinnacle of the temple, his thighs broke, and 

I 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED 



453 



wounded in the head with a fuller's club, he gave up the 
ghost, and was buried near the temple, anno 63. 

May 3. — Finding the Holy Cross, otherwise called 
Holy Rood-day, a feast in memory of the miraculous 
finding the holy cross, whereon our blessed Saviour 
suffered, by St. Helen, mother of Constantine the Great, 
anno 326, after it had been hid by the infidels 180 years, 
who had erected a statue of Venus in place of it. 

Rogation- week being- always the next but one before 
Whit-Sunday, is so called, because on Monday, Tuesday, 
and Wednesday, rogations (from rogo, to ask or pray) 
and litanies of the saints are used, with abstinence from 
flesh enjoined by the church to all persons, not only for 
a devout preparative to the feast of Christ's glorious as- 
cension and pentecost ; but also to beg and supplicate 
the blessing of God on the fruits of 1he earth. The Bel- 
gians call it cruis-week, 1. e. cross- week, and so it is call- 
ed in some parts of England ; because when the priest 
goes on those days in procession, the cross is carried be- 
fore him. In the north of England it is called gang- 
week, from the ganging, or going in procession then used. 

Whit-Sunday, or Pentecost, a solemn feast in memory 
and honour of the descent of the Holy Ghost on the 
heads of the apostles in the shape of tongues of fire, 
(Acts ii. 3.) Pentecost in Greek signifies the fiftieth, it 
being the fiftieth day after the resurrection ; and it is 
called Whit-Sunday, from the catechumens being an- 
ciently clothed in white, and admitted on the eve of this 
feast to the sacrament of Baptism. The old Saxons call- 
ed it Whit-Sunday, i. e. Holy Sunday. W T hit-Monday is 
also of obligation, but Whit-Tuesday is only of devotion. 

Trinity- Sunday, the octave of Whit- Sunday, dedicated 
to the honour of the most blessed Trinity ; to signify, 
that the works of our redemption and sanctification, then 
completed, are common to the Three Persons. 

Corpus Christi, a feast of obligation, being always the 
Thursday after Trinity-Sunday, is a feast instituted by 
the church in honour of the blessed sacrament of the 
altar ; and receives its denomination from the body of 
Christ substantially present there : on this day in all ca- 
tholic countries, that adorable sacrament is most solemn- 



454 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



ly carried about in procession ; the priest and people ex- 
pressing their highest devotions in hymns and prayers, 
accompanied with all other outward testimonies of pious 
affection, as music, flowers strewed along the streets, and 
their best tapestries on the walls, &c. 

May 26. — St. Augustin, archbishop of Canterbury, 
was sent over by St. Gregory the Great, to preach the 
christian faith to the British nation : he first converted 
Ethelbert king of Kent, and afterwards with others sent 
as coadjutors to him, and their successors, reconciled the 
whole nation to the faith and law of Christ, and so be- 
came the apostle of that nation. He died in all sanctity 
of life, anno 608, and was buried in his own cathedral at 
Canterbury, whereof he was the first archbishop. His 
feast was used to be very solemnly kept holy throughout 
the whole diocese. 

June 11. — St. Barnaby, a feast of devotion, born in 
Cyprus, and ordained apostle of the Gentiles by St. Paul, 
travelled with him into many provinces, exercising the 
function of preaching the gospel committed to him ; and 
lastly, going into Cyprus, there adorned his apostleship 
with a glorious crown of martyrdom, anno 50, whose 
body, himself revealing it, was found in the time of Zeno 
the emperor, with St. Matthew's Gospel in his own 
hand-writing. 

June 22. — St. Alban, first martyr of the British nation 
in the time of Dioclesian ; he suffered for entertaining a 
priest at Verulam, now from him called St. Alban's, un- 
der Asclepiodatus, president of Britany, anno 303. 

June 24. — Nativity of St. John Baptist, a feast of de- 
votion, our Lord's precursor, son of Zachary and Eliza- 
beth, who being yet in his mother's womb, was replen- 
ished with the Holy Ghost. 

June 29. — St. Peter and St. Paul, a feast of obligation ; 
they are joined in one solemnity, because they were 
principal co-operators under Christ in the conversion of 
the world, the first converting the Jews, the other the 
Gentiles ; and were both martyred at the same place, 
Rome, and on the same day. 

July 7. — Translation of St. Thomas of Canterbury, a 
feast ordained by a provincial constitution, in the time of 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



455 



Simon Islip, archbishop of Canterbury, to be solemnly 
observed ana kept holy throughout the nation, in memory 
of his sacred relics being taken up and reposed in a most 
costly shrine, and placed in a more eminent part of his 
own cathedral, where they were had in great veneration, 
till the day* of king Henry VIII. 1539. 

July 25. — St. James the Great, a feast of devotion, 
brother to St. John the evangelist, was about the feast of 
Easter beheaded at Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa, anno 
42. His relics were on this day translated to Compos- 
tella in Spain, where they were had in great veneration, 
people resorting thither from all parts of Christendom to 
pay their pious devotions, and fulfil their vows. 

July 26. — St. Anne, a feast of devotion, mother of the 
blessed Virgin Mary. 

July 27. — St. Joseph of Arimathea, a noble senator, 
who having buried Christ, came out of Jewry into Bri- 
tany with Joseph his son, and divers others, and obtained 
of King Arviragus, a little island in Somersetshire, now 
called Glastenbury ; where building for himself and com- 
panions a little oratory, and leading a solitary life, re- 
plenished with merits and old age, he reposed in our 
Lord, anno 82. 

Aug. 10. — St. Laurence, a feast of devotion, deacon to 
Pope Xystus II, was most cruelly broiled on a gridiron 
for the faith of Christ, which martyrdom he suffered 
with incomparable fortitude and patience, anno 253. 

Aug. 15. — Assumption of the B. V. Mary, a feast of 
obligation, in memory of her being taken up into heaven, 
both body and soul, after her dissolution, which is a con- 
stant tradition in the church, ever piously believed, and 
happened anno 36. 

Aug. 24. — St. Bartholomew, apostle, a feast of devo- 
tion, who having preached the gospel in India, and pass- 
ing thence into the greater Armenia ; after he had con- 
verted innumerable people to the faith, was barbarously 
flayed alive by command of King Astirages ; and thea 
beheaded, anno 44. 

Aug. 28. — St. Helen, an English woman by birth, was 
mother to Constantino the Great, the first christian em- 
peror, who first gave example to other princes to main- 



456 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



tarn and amplify the church of God. She was daughter 
of Prince Coel of Britany; and for her zeal to Christian- 
ity, became worthy both of an earthly and heavenly 
crown. Her sacred relics were translated from Rome to 
Rhemes in France, where they are kept with due vene- 
ration. She died anno 326. 

Sept. 8. — Nativity of the blessed Virgin, a feast of de- 
votion, is in memory of her happy and glorious birth, by 
whom the Author of all life and safety was born to the 
world. 

Sept. 21. — St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist, a feast 
of devotion, who preaching the gospel in Ethiopia, was 
slain at the altar as he celebrated the divine mysteries, 
anno 44. 

Sept. 29. — St. Michael Archangel, or Michaelmas-day, 
a feast of devotion, signifies a solemnity or solemn mass, 
in honour of him, and all the nine orders of angels ; as 
also to commend the whole church of God to their pa- 
tronage and prayers, by whose charitable ministry we 
have received of God, the original source, so many bene- 
fits. And it is called the dedication of St. Michael, from 
the dedicating a church to him, in Rome, by Pope Boni- 
face III. anno 606. 

Oct. 18. — St. Luke, evangelist, who, after he had en- 
dured many afflictions for the name of Christ, filled with 
the Holy Ghost, died in Bithynia, in the year of our Lord 
74, whose sacred bones were brought to Constantinople, 
and thence translated to Padua. 

Oct. 28. — St. Simon the Canaanite, and J ude, otherwise 
called Thaddeus, a feast of devotion ; the first preached 
the gospel in Egypt, the other in Mesopotamia; and af- 
terwards going together into Persia, after having convert- 
ed an infinite multitude of that nation to the faith, they 
accomplished their martyrdom in the year 68. 

Oct. 29. — St. Bede, commonly called Venerable, for 
having illustrated the church of God with his learning 
and piety, was delivered up to the monastery of SS. Pe- 
ter and Paul, at Wearmouth in the bishopric of Durham, 
at seven years of age, and educated in all good literature, 
as well as monastic discipline, under the pious care of St. 
Bennet Biscop. At thirty he was ordained priest, by 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



457 



John the ordinary of that diocese, at the appointment of 
Acca archbishop of York. He died annD 734, on the 
day of our Lord's ascension, and was buried in his own 
monastery, but afterwards translated to Durham. His 
feast is now kept with a double office, on the 28th of 
October. 

Nov. 1. — All Saints, or All Hallows, a feast of obligation, 
in memory and honour of all the saints ; since the whole 
year is too short to afford us a separate feast for each. 

JVbv. 2. — All Souls, a day appointed by the church for 
the living to offer prayers and suffrages for the souls of 
the faithful departed. 

Nov. 30. — St. Andrew, apostle, a feast of devotion, who 
preached the gospel in Thrace and Scythia ; but appre- 
hended by Egeas the proconsul, was first imprisoned, then 
most cruelly beaten, and lastly fastened to a cross, where- 
on he lived two days, preaching to the people ; and hav- 
ing besought our Lord not to permit him to be taken 
down, encompassed with a great light from heaven, he 
gave up his blessed soul at Patras, in Achaia, anno 69. 

The four Sundays of Advent, preceding Christmas, 
were instituted by the church with particular offices com- 
memorative of the benefits of our Saviour's coming to 
redeem the world by his happy birth. 

Dec. 8. — Conception of the glorious and ever Blessed 
Virgin Mary, Mother of God, a feast of devotion, first 
instituted by St. Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury, anno 
1070, and commanded afterwards by Sixtus IV. to be 
generally observed throughout the church, anno 1476. 

Dec, 21. — St. Thomas, apostle, a feast of devotion, who 
having preached the gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Per- 
sians, and Hyrcajaians, went into India, where he instruct- 
ed that people in the christian faith, for which he was 
thrust through the body with lances, and gave up his 
blessed soul at Calamina, anno 44. 

Dec. 25. — The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
a solemn feast of obligation, yearly celebrated by the 
catholic church, even from the apostles' time, in memory 
of our Saviour's birth at Bethlehem; and is called 
Christmas, from the mass celebrated on that day in 
honour of his holv birth. 

*S 



458 



FESTIVALS EXPLAINED. 



Dec, 26. — St. Stephen, a feast of devotion, the first 
martyr after Christ's ascension, was stoned to death by 
the Jews, anno 34. 

Dec. 27. — St. John, apostle and evangelist, a feast of 
devotion, who after writing his gospel, his banishment, 
and receiving" the revelations, lived to the time of Trajan 
the emperor, and both founded and governed the church- 
es of Asia. Finally, worn out with old age, he died at 
Ephesus, aged 93, anno 63, and was buried near the same 
city. 

Dec. 28. — Holy Innocents, a feast of devotion, in 
memory of the babes slain by Herod, when he sought 
our blessed Saviour ; and is called Childermass, from the 
particular commemoration of those martyred children in 
the mass of that day. 

Dec. 29. — St. Thomas, a feast of devotion, archbishop 
of Canterbury, primate of all England, and patron of the 
English clergy, who for maintaining the privileges of the 
Church of God, was martyred in his own cathedral at 
vespers, in the year of our Lord 1170. 

All other festivals which bear the names of saints are 
instituted by the church to honour God, to teach us to 
imitate their virtues, respect their sufferings or martyr- 
doms, and to supplicate support and comfort, under 
whatever affliction or contradictions in life he may be 
pleased to permit, as the test of our fidelity, and that we 
may be ever ready to join in saying, with the blessed 
spirits in heaven, 

GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH. 



t 



I 459 ) 



THE MANNER OF SERVING A PRIEST 
AT MASS. 

The Clerk must kneel at his left hand* and answer him as 
follows : 

P. INTROIBO ad allare Dei. 

C. Ad Deum, qui laetificat juventutem meam. 

P. Judica me Deus, et discerne causam meam, de 
gente non sancta : ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me. 

C. Quia tu es Deus, fortitudo raea : quare me repulis- 
ti, et quare tristis incedo, dum affligit me inimicus? 

P. Emitte lucem tuam, et veritatem tuam : ipsa me 
deduxerunt, et adduxeruat in montem sanctum tuum et 
in tabernacula tua. 

C. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui laetificat 
juventutem meam. 

P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus meus. Quare tris- 
tis es, anima mea, et quare conturbas me? 

C. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi : salu- 
tare vultus mei, et Deus meus. 

P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 

C. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in 
saecula saeculorum. Amen. 

P. Introibo ad altare Dei. 

Cm Ad Deum, qui laetificat juventutem meam. 

P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. 

C. Qui fecit coelum et terram. 

P. Confiteor Deo, &c. 

C. Misereatur tui Omnipotens Deus, et dimissis pecca- 
tis tuis, perducat te ad vitam aeternam. 
P. Amen. 

C. Conliteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper 
virgini, beato Michaeli archangelo, beato Joanni baptistae, 
Sanctis apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, 
Pater, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere. 
(Knock your breast and say) Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea 
maxima culpa. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper 
virginem, beatum Micbaelem archangel um, beat urn Jo- 



460 



manner of serving mass. 



annem baptistam sanctos apostolos Petrum et Paulum,. 
omnes sanctos, et te Pater— orare pro me ad Dominum 
Deurn nostrum. 

P. Misereatur vestri, &c. 

C. Amen. 

P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, &e. 
C. Amen. 

P. Deus ; tu conversus vivincabis nos. 

C. Et plebs tua laetabitur in te. 

P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. 

C Et salatare tuam da nobis. 

P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 

C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 

P. Dominus vobiscum. 

C Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Kyrie eleison. 

C. Kyrie eleison. 

P. Kyrie eleison. 

C Christe eleison. 

P. Christe eleison. 

C. Christe eleison. 

P. Kyrie eleison. 

C. Kyrie eleison. 

P. Kyrie eleison. 

P. Dominus vobiscum — or, Flectamus genua. 

C Et cum spiritu tuo — or, Levate. 

[At the end of the epistle, say, Deo gratias — then re- 
move the mass book, and ever kneel or stand on the contra- 
ry side of it.] 

P. Dominus vobiscum. 

C. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Sequentia sancti evangelii secundum, &c. 
[Making the sign of the cross, say :] 
C. Gloria tibi, Domine. 

[Make a reverence at the beginning and ending of thz 
gospel, and at the name of Jesus — and at the end say ;] 
C. Laus tibi, Christe. 
P. Dominus vobiscum. 
C. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

[Here the clerk is to give wine and water, and prepan 
the basin, water and towel, for the priest. The pries, 



MANNER OF SERVING MASS. 



461 



having washed, let him kneel in his former place, and 
answer.'] 

P. Orate, fratres. 

C. Suscipiat Dominus saeririciuin de manibus tuis ad 
laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nos- 
tram, totiusque ecclesiae suse sanctae. 

P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. 

C. Amei). 

P. Dominus vobiscum. 

C Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Sursum corda. 

C. Habemus ad dominum. 

P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. 

C Dignum et justum est. 

\At sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, kc. ring the little bell.'] 

When you see the -priest spread his h ands over the chalice, 
you must give warning, by the bell, of the consecration, 
which is about to be made. Then holding up the vestment 
with your left hand, and having the bell in your right, you 
must ring during the elevation of the host : — As often as 
you pass by the blessed sacrament, you must adore on your 
knees. 

P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. 
C. Amen. 

P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. 
C. Sed libera nos a malo. 
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. 
C. Amen. 

P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. 

C. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Pax tecum. 

C. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

(Pausing a little, rise, and make adoration to the sacra' 
ment. The priesfs communion being ended, be ready to 
give him wine and water. If there be communicants, pro- 
vide a towel, and say the conjiteor. After they have re- 
ceived, remove the book to the left hand of the altar ; take 
away the towel from the communicants, if there be any, 
and return to your former place.') 
* S2 



462 



MANNER OF SERVING MASS. 



P. Dominus vobiscum. 

C. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Per omnia sascula saeculorum. 

C. Amen. 

P. Ite ; missa est : or, benedicamus Domino. 

C. Deo gratias. 

(In masses for the dead.) 

P. Requiescant in pace. 

C. Amen. 

(Remove the book if it be left open; kneel and lake the 
priest's blessing.) 

P. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. 
C Amen. 

P. Dominus vobiscum. 
C Et cum spiritu tuo. 

P. Initium (or, sequentia) sancti evangelii, Szc, 
C. Gloria tibi, Domine. 
(At the end say, Deo ^ratias. 

Put out the candles, and fai/v,p all decently and carefully. 
If you have leisure, meditate awhile, kiss the altar, 
saying :) 

I will adore in the place where his feet stood, and de- 
part. 



( 463 ) 



Te JDeum Laudamus. 

WE praise thee, O God ; we acknowledge thee to 
be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee, the 
Father everlasting. 

To thee all the Angels cry aloud. The heavens and 
all the powers therein ; to thee Cherubim and Seraphim 
continually do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of 
Sabaoth. 

Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory. 
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee. 

The glorious company of the apostles praise thee. 

The Holy Church throughout all the world doth ac- 
knowledge thee. 

The whole army of Martyrs praise thee. 

Father of an infinite majesty, thine honourable, true, 
and only Son, also the Holy Ghost the Comforter, thou 
art the King of Glory. 

O Christ, the everlasting Son of the Father, when 
thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst not 
abhor the virgin's womb when thou hadst overcame 
the sharpness of death. 

Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all be- 
lievers. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory 
of the Father. 

We believe that thou shalt come to be our judge, 
therefore pray thee help thy servants whom thou hast 
redeemed with thy precious Llood. Save, O Lord ! 
save thy people, and make them to be numbered with 
thy saints in glory everlasting. Bless thine heritage, 
govern them and lift them up for ever and ever. Day 
by day we magnify thee, and we worship thy name, 
3ver, world without end. 

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. 

O Lord, have mercy upon us, as our trust is in thee. 

Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us. 

Lord, in thee have I trusted, 

Let me never be confounded. Amen, Amen, Amen. 



CONTENTS. 



The manner of Lay Persons' baptizing an infant in 

case of danger of death 2 

The Roman Calendar 3 

Table of Moveable Feasts 4 

The Roman Calendar, containing the Feasts and 

Fasts, as observed in America 6 
The Calendar, or General Index, to the Immovea- 
ble Feasts 8 

An extract from the Fourth Council of Lateran , 20 

A profession of Catholic Faith •••••• 21 

A short Regulation of Life •••••••24 

Morning Prayer 27 

Night Prayers 33 



The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus • • 37 

A No vena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus . , . 62 

The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Mary . • 74 
A Novena, or Nine Days' Devotion to the Ever 



Blessed Virgin • . 78 

The Sinner's Address to our Blessed Lady . • 80 

The Litany of Jesus and Devout Prayers , . • 82 

A Prayer of Compact 85 

A Formulary of Instruction and Prayers • • • 86 

A Method of hearing Mass • •••••• 90 

Of the Sacrament of Penance . • ••••• 108 

The Preparation for Confession ib. 

Act of Contrition , . . 118 

Advice to be followed after Confession . • • • 120 

A Prayer after Confession ib. 



Instructions and Prayers before Communion , • 121 
Instructions and Prayers after Communion . • 129 



CONTENTS. 



465 



The Form of Admission into the Sodalities of our 

Blessed Lady 138 

The Litany of our Lady of Loretto # . . 139 
Devout Prayers to our Blessed Lady for Saturday, 

or on any other occasion 141 

Prayer of St. Bernard to the Blessed Virgin Mary 142 

The Angelus Domini 143 

The humble Petition of a Sinner exposed by his 

crimes to eternal misery ib. 

A Votive Oblation to St. Joseph 145 

The Litany of St. Joseph . . 146 

Seven Prayers, containing the Seven Dolours and 

Joys of St. Joseph 147 

The Litany of St. Francis Xaverius . . . ,151 
The manner of performing the Novena; or the 

Nine Days Devotion to St. Francis Xaverius . 153 
Instructions for the exact performing of the Novena 155 

The First Day of the Novena 156 

Devotion to St. Ignatius, Founder of the Society 

of Jesus 165 

Novena to St. Ignatius, Founder of the Society oi 

Jesus 167 

Devotion to Saint Aloysius • 173 

The Litany of St. Aloysius 174 

Novena to St. Aloysius 179 

The Six Sundays of St. Aloysius 182 

Instructions on Indulgences ....... 197 

Of Plenary Indulgences . , . ♦ . . , .199 

Of Partial Indulgences 204 

Agnus Dei 206 

Plan of an Association in honour of Jesus Christ ib. 

Bona Mors 213 

The Litany for obtaining a good death .... 22<r 

Devout Prayers, &c 227 

A Short and Daily Exercise for the Suffering Souls 

in Purgatory 230 

Subjects for Meditations, for every Day in the 

Week 233 

Instructions for Meditatious 233 



466 



CONTENTS. 



The Prayers of St. Bridget g§g 

A Prayer for renewing the promises made unto 
God in Baptism 145 

Prayer for our Friends 247 

Prayer for our Enemies • . . 248 

Prayer for Fidelity to our Vocation 249 

Prayer for Young Women , . 25 

Seven Penitential Psalms 253 

The Litany of Saints 26 J 

Dr. Hay's Remarks on the Rosary # # , . ,271 

The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin 27 

The Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary , ... 28 

Jesus's Psalter 29 

The Rosary of the Blessed Name of Jesus . , ,3] 

A Novena to the Infant Jesus 32' 

The Little Office of the Blessed Sacrament . . .32, 
The Litany of the Blessed Sacrament . . . .33 

Meditations, &c 33' 

Short Acts of Virtue as a Preparation for Death . 340 
A Prayer of Thanksgiving, upon the Recovery of 

a person from the Bed of Sickness .... 354 
The Recommendation of a Soul Departing . . 35. 
Prayers for the Departed . . . . 0 . . . 362 
A Daily Prayer for a Pregnant Woman . . . 365 
A Universal Prayer for all things necessary to Sal- 
vation 36- 

The Thirty Days' Prayer, to the Blessed Virgin 

Mary 36£ 

Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation . . 372 
A Prayer before Confirmation . . , . . .381 
Short Ejaculations before Confirmation . . . 383 

A Prayer after Confirmation 385 

Vespers, or Evening Songs for Sundays . . . 387 
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary . . 396 
Commemoration of the Apostles Peter and Paul 397 
The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament , . 402 

The Hymn, Pange Lingua ib. 

On the Festivals of the Blessed Virgin Mary . , 405 
Festivals of the Apostles 410 



CONTENTS. 



467 



English Hymns. 
3 Great Creator of the 

light - . 394 

Bright Mother of our Ma- 
ker, hail . ... 409 
Throughout the world let 

joys arise 414 

O God the lot, the crown, * 



the gain ib. 

Let us fam'd acts and tri- 
umphs sing .... 415 
This day with gladness 
Christian choirs pro- 
claim 417 

Regard our vows with gra- 
cious eye 419 

Rise timely numbers, just- 
ly praise 420 

Bright Maker of the starry 

poles 421 

fesus the Ransomer of man 422 
kVhat makes the cruel He- 
rod shake 424 

r esus the only thought of 

thee ib. 

erusalem 426 



) Bountiful Creator! hear 427 
Jehold the royal ensigns fly ib. 
7 oung men and maids re- 
joice and sing .... 431 
"lie Red Sea's dangers 
now are past .... 433 
i 3sus the Saviour of man- 
kind 434 

pirit, Creator of mankind 435 
/1th hearts truly grateful 438 
'ail! real body of our 

Lord 439 

Q holy mother of our God 440 
Jesus, let thy anger cease 441 

Dmplin 442 

istivals explained . . . 446 
he manner of serving a 
Priest at Mass . . 4S9 



La.tin Hymns. 
Lucis Creator optime • , 394 
Ave mans stella . • . 408 
Exultet orbis gaudiis . • 412 
Deus tuorum militum . . ib. 

Sanctorum 413 

Memento, Domine . . 416 
Iste Confessor Domini . 417 
Jesu, corona Virginum 418 
Fortem virili pectore . . 419 
Creator alme siderum . • 420 
Crudelis Herodis Deum . 423 
Vexilla regis prodiunt 426 
Stabat Mater dolorosa . . 428 
O Filii et Filise .... 430 
Ad regias agni dapes . . 432 
Veni, Creator Spiritus . . 434 
Adeste Fideles . . . . 438 
Ave verum corpus natum ib. 
Te lucis ante terminum 444 
Te Deus Laudamus . . 463 
Placare, Christe, servilus . 440 
Inviolata . . . , . , 441 
O Sanctissima • • ib 



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